
THE 

IMPERIAL 

AUTHORITY 

OF 

TITUS 

FLAVIU5 




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A METRICAL DRAMA 

OF AN ATTEMPT UPON 

THE 

IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

OF 

TITUS FLAVIUS 

ELEVENTH CESAR 

WITH THE TRAGIC FATB OF 

CASCA LENTULUS 

ANI>THB 
VNHAFFY CIRCUMSTANCBS OFHIS 

ACCUSATION AGAIWST 

THE EMPRESS LIVIA 

BY 

Acmu TcHODJK 

FIRST EDITION 




NEW YORK 

KAVENWOOD 6- RUTLAND 
23??'ST„& LEXINGTON AYE. 

1901. 



'1 






Ykc 1.I9RABY OF 

CO'^'GRESS, 
Two Cut! lib HtceivF.3 

NOV. 11 1901 

CoF'SinKT ENTSY 

CLASS XT >tXc. No. 
COPv' 3.' 



Alij Rights Reserved. 

Copyright 1901, by 

Ravenwood & Rutland. 

Entered at Stationers' Hall, 

London, England, 

BY 

Grant Richards. 



To my father. 



PROLOGUE. 

IJpon the great, wide cloth of History, 
So sHrely rolling from the looms of Time; 
So laced with life and death and mystery, 
Shall condemnation fall if with a rhyme, 
Upon a long- forgotten spot, we try 
To 'broider in sweet Fancy's silken skeins. 
To weave a pattern that shall never die, 
A deft design where love forever reigns? 
But lest the grim historian be wroth, 
For him the play- bill bears a line or two, 
That he may pick from out the threads of cloth, 
The gold brocade, the purple and the blue. 
Good friends, with these apologies we ask, 
Your kindly favor for both mime and mask. 



APOLOGY. 

Descriptive convenience may warrant the employment of the 
term "unity piece" as a dcvsignation for this play, for in its 
construction the dramatic unities are attempted, the action 
being- entire and taking place upon a single scene within a 
space of time equivalent to that which would have been occu- 
pied by its occurrence in reality. 

The minor unities of time and place are complete, which can 
scarcely be said of any known English play of considerable 
length. Some centuries ago, the ridiculous contention was 
made in France that these unities were observed when the 
scenes of a play were contained within the walls of a building 
and the elapsed time did not exceed twenty four hours. These 
bounds, however, proved too galling and it presently became 
permissible for the scenes to dispose themselves anywhere with- 
in the city limits, while the time allowance was increased to 
thirty hours. 

But is this not the other extreme? Is it possible to observe 
the unity of place at a distance greater than two miles and 
three furlongs from the city hall? Does not the unity of time 
demand the denouement within twenty seven hours and fif- 
teen minutes? These are parlous questions. 

In availing themselves of these licenses the English drama- 
tists have surrendered the real unity, for in a play in which the 
scene is shifted, if only to the next room, or the curtain drop- 
ped, if for but a moment, the effect of continuity is certainly 
lost. Indeed, with the curtain once down the modern mind 
demands a complete change of scene and the supposed pas- 
sage of no small space of time, for if further incidents are to 
occur on the same scene or within a brief time it argues want 
of skill in not including them when the scene was open. Any 
approximation of these two unities has, therefore, an inartis- 
tic effect. 

As for the first and far more important unity, that of action ; 
the elusive element of plot, the essential quality of poetry, the 
inner significance which commands immortality, the virtue 



often undreamed of by the temporary and prolific playwright, 
the very rock of the theatre; it is appropriate to say no more 
than that though this action may be deemed hurried and in- 
volved, the greater unity has been attempted; with what suc- 
cess time alone can determine. 

An attempt at complete unity is not open to criticism for; 
as the supreme expression of the human race is in poetry and 
the height of poetry is reached in the tragic drama; that ex- 
e-eution which embodies the important effect of continuity cer- 
tainly can not be inferior to a disconnected treatment. Ridi- 
cule may be invited by the disparity between desire and ability 
but the integrity and appositeness of the desire can not be 
questioned. 

A certain freedom has been gained; at the sacrifice of regu- 
larity; by the mechanical arrangement of the iambics of the 
speeches into lines of lengths dictated by the thought to be 
conveyed, the typographical appearance or the vocal require- 
ments of a reader. A justification of this "symmetric lining, ' ' 
as well as of the division of an iambic between speeches, the 
use of three syllables in a foot and the transposition of the long 
and short syllables, is to be found in "The Science of English 
Verse," by Sidney Lanier, an admirable exposition of the 
fundamental principles of versification. Although the beauties 
of the pentametric line be foregone, that broader and more 
subtle rhythm of style, of which no analysis seems yet to have 
been made, the hidden rhythm of prose, is not only not surren- 
dered, but is more clearly brought out, for the effect of this 
method of fining is to facilitate the appreciation of the printed 
page by decreasing the labor of reading. 

Few historical liberties have been taken and the relations 
between the historical personages are such as are supposed to 
have existed. The relations between the historical and the in- 
vented characters and the incidents arising therefrom are, of 
course, fictitious; though not improbable. 

The action is divided into five parts, analogous to acts, by 
the second soliloquy of Gasea, the first and second soliloquies 
of Juvenal and the accession of Titus. 

New York City, 

Septei-aber, 1901. ACHIM Tchodjk. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 

Given in the order of their appearance on the scene . 

NAMES. RELATIONS. LINES. AGES. 

*AULUS C^ciNA, a Roman General. 160 60 

*D0MITIAN, afterward the 12th. , and last Caesar, 20 25 

Tranquillius, a boy, slave to Titus. 37 14 

*Pliny, the younger, friend of Tacitus. 122 18 

Casca, half-brother to Livia. 395 22 

*Tacitus, the historian, friend of Pliny. 118 28 

Narcissa, friend to Livia. 126 18 

Lucia, a young girl, slave to Livia. 19 14 

Livia, wife of Titus. 359 25 

*TiTUS, the 11th., Caesar. 345 39 

Klabo, chief slave of the Imperial Palace. 5 50 

Hypokrates, a Grecian astrologer. 101 80 

*Plotina, wife of Trajan. 13 27 

■^Gaudentius, architect of the Colosseum. 39 50 

Martha, wife of Gaudentius. 11 45 

^Berenice, wife of Herod and Queen of Gilicia. 184 50 

Yarro, a disloyal soldier. 58 30 

*JuvENAL, the satirist. 206 60 

MONIDES, archer to Juvenal. ' 40 

■^Apicius, a glutton. 74 44 

*Vespasian, Emperor of Rome, 10th. , Caesar. 38 69 

■^JuLiA, wife of Tacitus. 3 22 

Gallus, \ 5 35 

Demetrius, ]- conspirators. 8 50 

Graccus, ) 1 28 

*Trajan, afterward 14th. , Emperor of Rome. 62 28 

Sextus, a loyal soldier. 78 40 

First Plebiam, \ 3 20 

Second Plebian, > leaders of the mob. 6 50 

Third Plebian, j 14 90 

2616 
Various Soldiers and Slaves and a Mob. 
*Known to have existed. ^Believed to have existed. 



The 

Imperial Authority 

of 1 itus Flavius- 



Place :— ROME. Year :— 79 A. D. 

Scene: — An atrium in the Imperial Palace of 
Vespasian. Beyond a colonnade the city is 
seen on distant hills. In the centre of the scene, 
somewhat elevated, is the impluvium; a large, 
round pool of water within a broad stone wall, 
slightly above the coping of which project the 
low-oval tops of its six massive equidistant 
posts. From the panels of the wall between 
the posts extend stone ledges or seats, with 
arms, and supporting brackets standing for- 
ward, at the ends, upon the flagstone floor. 
Behind the impluvium ; to the right, * flanked 
by columns; is a wide opening; through the 
stylobate supporting these and the others of 
the inner row of colonnade columns; into the 
corridor, a step higher, running entirely across 
the rear. Besides the corridor entrances there 
are two others on each side, below the stylobate. 
The middle entrances are curtained; the tapes- 
try of the one on the right being drawn, while 
that of the one on the left is thrown over an im- 
mense jar, standing between the entrance and 
the stylobate. To the right and left of the im- 
pluvium, somewhat forward, are two low, small 
round- tables, from each of which three broad 
couches radiate. 

Time : — The action extends from the middle of a change- 
able and stormy Spring afternoon to sunset. 

* The directions " right" and "left" are taken regarding the auditorium, and that portion of 
the scene nearest the auditorium is herein designated by the vjords "front", "down", "lower" , "for- 
ward" and "below" : the antonyms of which are applied to the portion furthest removed: the inter- 
vening space being referred to by the words "middle" and "centre" ^ strictly used. 



^ The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

AULUS CAECINA: 
T1»e firft fpeaker, being difcouer ed below the impluvyum by the ryfing cnrtayn, 
takesafkrollfromhysbrcafte, andprcfentlie (ays to hymfelf, as he unfoHes it wytli 
delyberation: 

Could resolution unallied prevail against 

The charging foes of circumstance; 

Could resolution drive them back upon their dark retreats, 

And sweep the fields of battle clear; 

I would not ask for your uncertain aid, 

My wrangling and suspicious friends! "ninh.**"" '"''^^ 

'Tis bitter that my triumph I must share with thee, 

But grateful is the thought that should the veil'ed hour, 

Bring forth misfortune and defeat. 

The most respected names in Rome will grace my fall. 

He strikes the paper y when, hearing fooistepSy he tries to replace 
it, without success. In alarm he conceals himself below nttddle 
right. DOMITIAN enters, upper right, and advances in medi- 
tation^ counting on his fingers. He discovers TRANQUJL.LIUS 
following in mimicry ana waves him out, when he is presently 
further disturbed by tlie sounds of voices on the left, 

DOMITIAN. 
ntV, lyne. A poet's solitude, it doth appear. 

Is never sacred to the chatterbox! 



Exit, lower left. En 

, . Y, followed bvL'AHC A " 

himself in (He tapestry. 



ter, upper left, PLINY, followed by CASCA. AULUS envelopes 
If in the i 



PLINY. 

No more! No more! I'll hear no niore!^f/;;J^J;^';^^^'*. 

ing PLINY turns to CASCA and they gradually move forward. 

Thy foul and bloody purpose chills my veins! 

CASCA. 

We are in Caesar's house, my friend! 

They say the sense of hearing doth pertain 

To curtains, jars and even columns here. 

That secret passageways do burrow in these rocky hills, 

Deep down to silent pits and gloomy caverns, down 

ao To the very jaws of Night herself. 

PLINY. 

Already, Casca, fearful of the spoken word; 
How wilt thou shake when thou hast laid 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 

The Flavians In their reeking tombs, 

And swarms of emperors from every camp, 

Spring up to claim the throne, and with their veteran legions 

Hurry here to Rome from Dacia, Britain, Egypt, Gaul; 

On war and bloody mischief bent? 

CASCA. 

The fire of my ambition, bold, 

Will scorch and wither up these green, pretending fools. 

30 Ah, Pliny, when the fateful hour doth come; 

I'll loose such thunderbolts of battle and of wrath, 

That down the limitless extent of Time's long aisles. 

Their echoes shall forever roll. f^^'ie/^^^MlllnTr 

showing that he has 
'Y KC^yvWC been a^arty to the con- 

1 /\v-<l 1 Uo. versation. 

And shall forever echo you a traitor and a thief. 

CASCA. 

I have as good a right- &f/U^ t'r'i^kTnTrnVPhe 

speech following . ] 

TACITUS. 

What right have you? 

CASCA. 

What right has he? 

TACITUS. 

The right to give as ten years more of peace, 
Of happiness, of harvest wealth, of heavy laden vines! 

CASCA. 

A-^ The grapes upon the vine, 

Shall they decay and wither when the diadem of Rome 
Adorns these destined, fateful brows? 

PLINY. 

O mad, devoted senator! 

O blind and fevered fool! 

To what obscure and distant corner 

Hath thy reason flown, 



, The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

That thou wouldst dare this dizzy height 

Of Roman grandeur, frowning in the clouds? 

Hath the scepter of the empire, 

50 Trembled yet, in old Vespasian's hands? 

That venerable, firm and well beloved man first bars your way. 

CASCA. 

A log; decayed and, Pliny, crumbling; soon removed. 

PLINY. 

Then stands the mighty oak, my friend and yours, 

Strong Titus; he who battered down Jerusalem's walls, 

And devastated all the slopes of Palestine; 

Think you to measure swords with him? 

CASCA. 

He saved himself a Jewish queen, 

And she hath dulled his edge, whilst their debaucheries 

Have filled the Roman heart with dread ; they see in him, 

60 A second Nero! Titus doth deserve their hate! 

Tiberius, the bloody, 's born again; and vile Caligula, 

Reanimate doth walk, when Titus rises from his couch ! 

PLINY. 

Stop! Casca, stop! You know that Berenice fives 

In banishment from Rome; 

Sent out as Julius Caesar sent dark Egypt's queen; 

And it becomes you not, to thus revive old scandals, Casca; 

When the gentle Titus, all mankind's defight; 

Who never lets a day go by without a favor done; 

When Titus now hath made your sister Livia his honored wife. 

CASCA. 

70 "His honored wife! 

Oh Pfiny ! Livia was a vestal pure, until, 

By magic Grecian arts he won her from her sacred character: 

The punishment which ages have decreed against her crime, 

Is living burial there beyond the north Collinian gate. 

When he is tired of her; and does he not, 

Already, keep her hidden weeks and months away; 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 5 

This doom will end my sister's joy. 

PLINY. 

When Titus proves himself so base, your hour will then be come; 

And Pliny, Flavian admirer that he is, will join your cause. 
Till then forbear, for even should you hack this oak to earth, 
The younger brother, sly Domitian; timid, crafty, fellDomitiaa, 

He who hides beneath the poet's cloak his wolfish nature, 
83 He, will strike you from behind. 

CASCA. 

Domitian 's days are dropping, 
Like the petals of a rose-bud eaten by a worm. 

TACITUS. 

In plainer words you've hired his murderers. ^Sf^'^ °'" 
Will you, yourself, despatch him? 

PLINY. 

Casca! Thou, a murderer! 

Come, clip thy mad Ambition's wings, 

^■90 And be not tempted to this fearful flight. 

The cup of pomp and power, 

The intoxicating cup of rule and domination, 

Cast from thy eager lips, away; 

TliP rlrailcrTif is; ripath' From time to time TACITUS 

itiff dots with great rapidity. {The Roman shorthand is said to 
have consisted of series of points in varying relations.) The 
sounds of footsteps on the flagstone fioor are heard. 

A treasure worth far more to thee. 
Than Cesar's purple or his gold: Narcissa comes. 

Enter upper right NARCISSA, presently followed by LUCIA, 
who is carrying a basket of flotuers. Exeunt both upper left ivith- 
eut having seen the others, who are down right. 

CASCA, 

Did I love her as she loves me. . . . Sf.XS'"''' "" 
My life long dreams have been of glory, not of love. 

TACITUS. 

Do dreams of justice never trouble you? 

CASCA. 
:ioo The Roman law forbids the union of 



6 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

A bondman's daughter with such blood as mine. 

PLINY. 

Her father rose to freedom, 

She, outshines the noblest ladies of the court; 

She lives within your sister's sweet regard. 

She hath the emperor's respect despite her unwise love for you;, 

Remove this stain upon your honor. 

Ere Vespasian's willingness to change the law, 

Is murdered by your stubborn mood. 

CASCA. 

109 Did you persuade me to the other course, 

Already had I set me on the throne with you for ministers. 

PLINY. 

Oh ! Casca, look ! Oh, look where Livia comes ! 

The charm of dignity in every movement lies, 

She hath the fascination of immortaUoveliffesSi..- 
£■«/^r upper right, LIVIA. She passes across, unconscious of 
the presence of the others on the scene. 

How like a gentle breath she moves along the corridor, 

How like a dream her presence makes 

The cold and gloomy hallways of this palace seem. . . . 

Exit upper left, LIVIA. 

She, Casca, is thy sister; 
Hers the eyes to blind with tears and burn, 
"9 And hers the voice to choke with grief. 

And hers the heart to crush beneath thy ruthless heel, 

When thou shalt kill Vespasian on his throne. 

And lay the noble Titus in his undeserved tomb ! 

CASCA. 

With Titus dying, who could comfort her as well as thou? 

CASCA perceives that TACITUS has been writing in shorthand.. 

You've copied down our conversation, have you not? 

TACITUS 

I have. 

CASCA. 

What purpose you? 



of TITUS FLAVIU& 7 

TACITUS. 

It is my habit, thus, to cheat Oblivion of her prey; 

By this means I preserve the finely polished sentences, 

Which drop complete from Pliny's lips. 

CASCA. 

You then neglected mine. 

TACITUS. 

Not so, I put them in, 

CASCA. 

132 Then rub them quickly out. 

TACITUS. 

I'll let them stay; the contrast would be spoilt. 

CASCA. 

I wish them out; they're safer out. 

TACITUS. 

rr\-i J £ :a-U ^^ TACITUS places the tablet ii 

They re safe with me. his breast. 
I'll keep the tablet as an evidence. 
Of treason and conspiracy, should I be called upon to testify. 

CASCA. 

Are you against me sir? 
The evidence is valueless; whole books of it, 
140 In secret, you could write. 

TACITUS. 

But this will be supported by the oath of Pliny, here; 
A witness not to be despised. 

CASCA. 

And you against me, where I thought to find, 
My chiefest advocate? 

PLINY. 

I'll never have occasion to substantiate this evidence. 

CASCA. 

Are you my ally, then? 



8 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

PLINY. 

Nay, not thy ally but thy friend: 
Though Tacitus contents himself with evidence, 
Against the possibility of trial; more, much more, 
J50 Shall I require, to satisfy myself; 

So, Casca Lentullus, I warn thee now. 
Proceed no further with this dark conspiracy; 
Take thou one step and Caesar takes the next. 

CASCA. 

Would you betray me, sir? 

PLINY. 

For nothing less than Rome.... 

TACITUS. 

And now we may discuss more pleasing things. 

They start to go out lower right, when NARCISSA enters loiver 
left. CASCA is startled and PLINY bows. TACITUS stands 
apart. 

NARCISSA. 

Oh Casca, have you seen a little chicken running hereabout; 
A most demure and modest mannered bird. 

CASCA. 

I see yourself. 

NARCISSA. 

160 I mean another one; Enter, lower u/t, lucia. 

She answers to the name of Livia when you cluck. 

CASCA. 

Ah, Pliny, here can tell you how. 
She just now walked along the corridor. 

NARCISSA. 
Thanks! Thanks! Just how, I care not since I know she did. 

Exit NARCISSA, upper left LUCIA sits. 

LUCIA. 

Some day I think she'll stop. 

CASCA. 

And why? 



of TITUS FLAVIU& 9 

LUCIA. 

-TT- 1 T -^-T,:*,!^ Enter LIVIA, lower left. 

You know, i tmnk. 

CASCA. 

Narcissa seeks you. She hath but this moment gone, 
In all her wonted restlessness. 

LIVIA. 

170 Left she no word of why she wanted me? 

CASCA. 

We had no time to ask ere she was out. 

LIVIA. 

Narcissa, child! Narcissa, child! ^/.^a.'f^^^^c^/f- 

SA reenters after LIVIA has concealed herself behind the large 
jar, middle left. L UCIA employs herself ivtth the flowers. 

NARCISSA. 
Upon my word, my ears heard Livia call me, twice! 

CASCA. 

But your bright eyes confirm you no such lies. 

NARCISSA. 

So Titus hath taught you his knack of rhyme making; 

Poor fellow, I know your dear head must be aching. 

She pats CASCA' S head. 

PLINY. 

Not so, gentle lady, he spoke from the heart; 
For he's deep in your debt; this was payment in part. 
For the falsehood he told as you flew like a dart, 
180 For his was the voice and his mimic art. 

Made Livia 's tones from 'twixt his lips start. 

NARCISSA. 

I do not believe it, so call me once more. 
To prove that your throat can such sweetness outpour. 

PLINY. 

The mellowing touch of separation. 

Is required to qualify his tones: 

Return then to the corridor and he will speak again. 



10 



The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



NAHCISSA. 

I'll hear the mimic cry, right where I stand. 

CASCA. 

Narcissa, child! 

PLINY. 

189 You see the charm is dead, 

We'll go and call you from the statue by the pool. 

Thev move forward and to the right after NARCISSA has kisS' 
ed CASCA. 

LIVIA. ^,,,,. 
Oh could I change this dull, cold jar to Titus, 
What a joy 'twould be, for him and me! 

She kisses the jar. NARCISSA thereupon discovers her and 
quickly joins the group, lower right. Exit LI VIA, cunningly, 
lower left. 

NARCISSA. 

Come! Come! I'll show you how the mellowing touch 

Of separation is required to qualify his tones; 

I'll illustrate the magic of his mimic art; 

The secret of his charm hides there; no one but Li via herself. 

They examine the place and laugh at NARCISSA, 

QhSQK 

You say this jar is Livia, herself? 

PLINY. 

This stone, perhaps; or this one; they may serve. 
To illustrate your magic mimic art. ^^ c^^ca. 

LIVIA enters, upper left, demurely. 

LIVIA. 

200 What interests you so about the jar? 

CASCA. 

Narcissa claims that you were just now hid behind it; 
Or perhaps you were inside. 

LIVIA. 

How quaint a fancy, that; 
To lodge within the precincts of so sensible a head. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 

NARCISSA. 

How quaint a color, that; 

To lodge upon the precincts of so red a pair of lips. 

How strange! It matches quite an odd, round spot, 

Upon this jar. . . . Oh hypocrites ! Most charming hypocrites ! 

Come tell me now some more about that wondrous, 
2IO Mellowing touch of separation, ^ord^ ^-^ ""JilneJit't 

That peculiar mimic art of thine. S-'w.'^" '" '" 
What is't I hear?.... Good friends, who's bit whose tongue? 

T ,,^;^ Ar.^^\ Exeunt PLINY, TACITUS and CASCA, lower right. 
l-/UCia, Uear! NARCISSAivlnspersto LUCIA. LIVIA sits. 

LIVIA. 

Was that quite fair? 

NARGiSSA. 

It was not quite as fair as hiding when we'd made for thee, 

A holm oak wreath; and woven it with wild flowers rare; 

Such flowers as only spring; they say, from earth that's felt, 

A shower of human blood, of victims sacrificed to gods divine. 

LIVIA takes the ivreath atid NARCISSA sits opposite her, on 
the left end of the impluvium seat. LUCIA watches upper right, 
where TRANQUILLIUS enters. They converse apart, over the 
stylobate. 

LIVIA. 

A dark, strange riddle that so pure a flower, 
Should nurture in a soil so terrible. . . . Oh I 

She is hurt by a thorn in the wreath. 

NARCISSA. 

I did not go to do it, dear: There, there, 'twas not a thorn. 
It does not hurt you much. fl^sMeheU^wk 

^->. p 1 1 -x 1 ' n' 1 water from the tm- 

222 Come, com.e, rorget the trmmg wound \piuvium. 

I'll let you win a game of hucklebones, I wiU. 
Watch, Lucia, watch! 

She produces Jive small, cubic blocks and they play in the fnanner 
of the present-day game of chuckle stones or Jacks, 

Three, two; you have already won. 

LIVIA. 

And three more makes me four. 

NARGISSA. 

In counting thus, I vow the game is made to move 



12 



The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



With unaccustomed speed. ^^^^^ ^"^'"^ ""'"' 
We'll finish it some other time; you're not much hurt; 
For see, here Titus comes, and he hath frowning said, 
231 * 'This pastime lacks in dignity. ' ' 

I fear the monster. Come, escape while yet you may! 

Exetmt NARCISSA and LUCIA, lower right. TRANQUIL- 
LI US vaults the stylobate and follows them out. Enter TITUS, 
upper right. 

TITUS. 

Sweet Livia.... Why Livia! My dear! 

She remains seated and continues to take no notice of him 

What spell prevents the movement of thy lips? 

She moves her lips. He betravs amusement but she frowns and 
he is unable to fathom her mood. He is on the left. She presently 
speaks. 

LIVIA. 

You just now spoke? 

TITUS. 

No! No! I wanted to. I would have asked what magic 

Held your lips so firm; from whence this mood, 

This coldness, this unusual distance comes? 

LIVIA. 

You spoke, sweet sir? 

TITUS. 

240 Ah, Livia, tell me what I've done, dear; 

Leave me not to grope thus in the darkness of your discontent. 

Exists there no way out? 

LIVIA. 

As I am never discontent, there's no way out. 

TITUS. 

How many hours, then, till the dawn of thy forgiving smiles? 
What have i done that I should suffer thus? 

LIVIA. 

'Tis not so much what you have done, that should provoke me;. 

It is your neglect and what you've failed to do, 

That rouses up the wolf within my breast; 

Though I congratulate myself on having, 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 

Simgly and alone, o'ercome my temper, so that now, 
I say in truth, I never knew myself more lovable. 

TITUS perceives that her anger is simulated. 

TITUS. 

252 And never showed yourself as little so. 

What is't I've failed to do? 

LIVIA. 

To keep your temper, sir. 

TITUS. 

I never knew myself more lovable. 

LIVIA. 

And never looked so black; 

Know then, when I just now, most foolishly. 

Desired to kiss my husband he was miles away. 

And I was then compelled to kiss that jar. 

So blackening- my lips that they mistook me for a clown: 

I thought they'd laugh the very curtains down. 

TITUS. 

262 If you had sent me word or had I known — 

LIVIA. 

A miserable lover thou, to feel no inkling of my pain. 

So much did I desire thee that the very air, 

Was heavy with my longing: 

Thy light heart, was it oppressed! 

True love had flown from Egypt even, 

Though my wish had trivial been. 

If I had sent thee word or hadst thou known. 

270 Break not the humble, innocent, black jar. 

TITUS, 

Who laughed at thee? 

LIVIA. 

Nor wreak your poor remorse upon their heads; 

They had good cause to laugh, 

While you had no excuse for staying hence. 



H The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

TITUS. 

You'll let me black my lips as yours were blacked. 

-//(? hisses the jar 171 front, 

LIVIA. 

The color comes not off, 
The jar hath found you out for what you are. 

TITUS. 

Am I to blame because my lips have not the sweetness requisite 

To melt the very lacquer of the jar? 
280 It sure hath found me out for what I am, 

A dull, cold, miserable piece of clay, no better than itself. 

V l/\. ^1^^ rises and embraces liiin. 

You speak the truth for once and I, 
I love the truth; I kiss the truth you represent; 

Not you, yourself; oh, no, no, no, no! ItJer'a/uZes. 
But you were on some errand; finish it. 



I have forgot - 

The truth. 



TITUS. 
LIVIA. 



TiTUS. 
I went to greet our coming guests. 

LIVIA. 

Then I'll await them here. ^'^^^^'^'^ «^- 

>QQ rp'i. j^i He sees that she is reproving him for leaving her without a fare- 

j i-lLUb. 7vell kiss. He returns, kisses her, and goes out, upper left. She 

rubs the kiss-spot off the jar. 

Titus, I've concluded now to go. 

Exit LIVIA, upper left. AULUS appears from the tapestry. 

AULUS. 

Oh love sick Titus, vain, contented married man; 

I could disturb thy satisfaction by the news, 

Of this new hatching plot which Casca sits upon; 

But what a shame 'twould be to spoil thy pleasure thus. 

And what a blunder in a statesman like myself: 

No, Titus, rest thee well, fear not the schemes 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. « 

Of such weak, timid boys and dread not mine, 
For when, as the boastful Casca loves to say, 
300 The fateful moment doth arrive; 

The loving kindness of a midnight dagger driven home, 

Makes thee a Roman god; a fate thou shouldst invite. 

And while I 'wait the hour, I might as well remove 

This Casca Lentullus; the time might come. 

When I had rather see him in his tomb than in his toga. 

Livia: She would bewail the loss of Titus, 

Till my throne might shake, so she must bend to my necessity. 

I'll spare her life and let her while her time in slavery; 

A i-.1<^ac;nfr clQTrAT-xr ^'^^«'' f<^i-ABO, upper right. 
1\. pieaSmg slavery, riie scene is darkened by a stonn. 

Oh Klabo, come! My mind is troubled by a dream; 

The Greek astrologer Hypokrates stands by the palace gate; 

312 Have him brought in to me. ^^ ^'""^ '^^^^'^ '"""''■ 

KLABO. 

It shall be done. 

AULUS. 

But speak on no account of my infirmity. 

Exit KLABO, middle left. 

Oh powers divine, 'tis now I feel I am your favored instrument; 

The plot you've just compounded in my brain to match 

These several ends, I'll put in execution this same hour; 

And Casca soon shall be removed by Titus' wrath, 

Though Titus will not dream he hatched a plot; 

320 For both shall in this turmoil be confused. 

The surface of the water in the impluviujn is disturbed by drops 
of rain. After holdingont his hand to feel the rain A ULLfS moves 
to a less exposed position on the left. HYPOKRA TES enter s, 
middle left. 

Hypokrates, a fee, a lordly fee awaits thy claws, 

In case the matter which I have in mind. 

Is helped along by your vile arts. 

Know you on sight the rich patrician, Casca Lentullus 

The senator; whose sister was the vestal Livia? 

HYPOKRATES. 

I know him well. 



.6 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

AULUS. 

And thou art known to him? 

HYPOKRATES. 

That honor hath not been accorded me. 

AULUS. 

329 'Tis well. I see him coming. Here, aside with me, 
Till I instruct thee in a part I have for thee to play. 

Exeunt A UL US and HYPOKRA TES, lower left. Enter, lower 
riglit, CASCA. 

CASCA. 

He stops me with an empty threat. 

A boy and yet he blocks Ambition's course, 

And thus my overmastering desire is put in leading strings. 

A boy! A boy! A boy, indeed! 

O speak to Caesar soon, good Pliny, speak to Caesar soon. 

Enter A UL US, lower left. 

Aulus, scarred warrior, good day to thee. 

AULUS. 

You note my wounds. 

CASCA. 

To envy them. 

AULUS. 

And were they yours, what use wouldst make of them? 

CASCA. 

Hadst thou my youth, what use wouldst make of it? 

Hadst thou my wealth, the prestige 

Of the name of LentuUus. 

My rich patrician blood, my eloquence; 

What use wouldst make of them? 

AULUS. 

I would not idly stand and long for scars j 

I would not watch contentedly, 

The antics of a country boor upon the Roman throne. 

CASCA. 

I've known thee for a bitter man, 



of TITUS FLAVTUS. ■? 

But now you over- step most dangerous bounds. 

AULUS. 

350 Whilst thou dost halt at thy inviting Rubicoa. 

CASCA. 

Misjudge me if you will, and call my caution fear*. 

But why hidst thou thy meaning in a metaphor? 

Have you a soldier's tongue? 

AULUS. 
I have! And though you hawk to C^sar what I say, 

And bring me back my words. 

Transformed to daggers by his anger, yet I'll speak: 

I dream of you as emperor; I picture you. 

Decked with imperial purple, ruling all the world. 

CASCA. 

Another counselor like you and I would dream such dreams, 

And draw myself such images of pomp and power. 

AULUS. 

Amanof courageneednot askfor more than one such counselor. 

I was in Spain when Nero died and there I cast my eye about. 

And spying worthy Galba, took to him my troops, 

And with them victory. 

When Otho shortly seized the throne, 

I whipped the armies he sent out and made Vitellius emperor. 

Vespasian's friends advanced, and at Verona 

We came face to face; 

369 I could have crushed them there forever, but 

Vitellius had not proven worthy of the purple; I surrendered: 

Had I fought; 

The proud Vespasian, where would he be now, 

V\rho styles himself ' ' The Favorite of Destiny, 

Who chills at my approach; forgets 

That I have made him all he is? 

You've now grown up a man and you shall be 

My sweeping hand to cuff these Flavian upstarts back, 

To the soil from whence they sprang. 



CASCA. 

Have you no dreams? 

AULUS. 

380 I am too old and have too many foes, 

It seems that I must be content to give the power; 

And take it back. 

Sut Casca, know that I am not alone in this advice; 

See, here's a list of men, 

Fresh pledged to overcome the Flavian boors; 

And all we lack's a man to take their robes. 

In midnight councils we have wearily discussed, 

And cast about in search of such a man; 

At last, despite your youth, on you the choice has fallen; 

I have come, their representative, to offer you the leadership, 

A^^ fi^A^^r^ rr/^,-. o^ o ^-f H Y PO K RAT ES Bttter s , Upper Icft , K LAB O pretending 
And nnamg you so apt- -v.. oppose him. KLABO retires. 

HYPOKRATES. 

Yea! Yea! I will see Casca Lentullus! 
393 Most noble Casca, I do beg of you. Kneeling to casca. 

Abide my presence and dismiss your friend. 

For I have had a vision touching you. 
My news comes down from Heaven, straight! 

From time to time AULUS and HYPOKRATES craftily con- 
gratulate each other on their success in deceiving CASCA. 

CASCA. 

He is my friend. Proceed. 

HYPOKRATES. 

As I lay dr 'iming in my cave last night. 

Of old time Grecian grandeur. 

Suddenly I felt myself whisked through the air, 

And ages passed it seemed; at last, 

I found myself upon the edge of some vast plain; 

Around it mountains, through it rivers, 

404 While the verdure blessed the eyesight, 

And the fragrance of the wildflowers, 

Wkh the music of the birds. 

So It^d the other master senses, 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 

That, methought I must expire for joy; 

And so I would have done 

Had not the gods been in a frowning mood, 

Which so alloyed the atmosphere that I could live; 

412 For you must know the place was Paradise. 

And though I was not bid to speak to you, 

Yet from their talk 'twas evident that I have been selected, 

To inform the object of their wrath 

What reparation he must make to gain their favor 

And avert the doom which they in congress have decided on. 

CASCA. 
Have I been noticed by the gods, have I aroused their anger? 

Go impostor I tell your lies to ears more gullible. 
-1^0 Here's what you want, away! iiJ^r^^rfAfn^y'/''''' 

HYPOKRATES. 

1 speak the truth. 

AULUS. 

This wierd astrologer 
Hath ever borne a supernatural fame. 

HYPOKRATES. 

The goddess Vesta rages with the insult offered her, 

By Livia's desertion of her sacred temple. 

And that foul, unnatural marriage to the tyrant's son. 

'rhe other residents of Paradise are scarcely less incensed; 

They have decreed that Livia shall answer with her life. 

CASCA. 

Oh monstrous verdict ! Fellow thou art come from Hades, not- - 

HYPOKRATES. 

Let not the hateful uniform of poverty impeach my character; 

All men of mystic knovv'ledge, like myself, 
432 Are doomed to Vv^ear such rags; 

For had we raiment fit to match our occult fame. 
Dire consequences would result from our ambitious plots. 

CASCA. 

Go on. 



o The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

HYPOKRATES. 

They have decreed that Livia shall answer with her life ; 

That you shall be their instrument, 

That you shall offer up your sister, now, a sacrifice to Vesta; 

Failing- which, she, you and all your family 

Shall perish from the earth. 

CASCA. 

Oh fearful sentence! 

Greek, I tell thee thou art come from Hadv s, 

Justice hath her splendid seat on high! 

HYPOKRATES. 

444 And Justice is offended by thy sister's deed. 

CASCA. 

The day of human sacrifice in Rome has passed, 

The appointed fate for sinning vestals hath for centuries been 

A living burial not a bloody sacrifice. 

HYPOKRATES. 

Her crime is blacker than hath ever been commited by a vestal, 

So her punishment with greater horror is decreed. 

'Tis time to choose. 

You must not bait the gods with indecision. 

You must spring, with all the panther's swiftneSvS, 

To their work. The deed must be completed 

While the sun yet shines above the horizon. 

But know that should this edict of the gods 

Be manfully obeyed, their favor will be gained, 

-157 And they will shower whatever gifts 

Thou feelst inclined to ask. 

*Tis time to choose. . . . 

CASCA. 

I will obey.... 

HYPOKRATES. 

Your resolution's made; you will not stop for tears, 

Nor yet in fear of Titus' power? 



of TITUS FLAVIUa 

CASCA. \ 

The sun shall set upon the execution of this fearful deed; 
The gods alone have power to change my will. 

HYPOKRATES. 

I brought me back from Heaven, sir, 
A oair of sacred birds, and they shall guide our course. 

Bxtf HYPOKRATES, middle left, after having been secretly 
congratulated by AULUS. 

AULUS. 

It warms my cold, grey heart to see again a man 

Who does not hesitate, who rises to the hour; 

But let my long experience teach thee now the surest course. 

CASCA. 
470 I tremble, Aulus, at my resolution; 

Guide me with thy steady hand into the royal port, 
And through this storm, and you shall never say: 

• 'He chills at my approach. ' ' Ji^^j^^/i/;^ 4^;^^ 
I crave thee, Titus, ^c/^ci''-'^ "'"^"" ' 

Livia's company a little while. 

TITUS. 
If she agrees, I do. 

LIVIA. 

My brother can not say 
My ears were ever cold to his request. 

Exeunt TITUS and FLO TINA upper right. 

AULUS. 
Your brother now hath on his lips 
4^0 Entreaties which he dreads to utter. 

He is dumb because it is become his duty to inform you 
Of the threatening dangers hanging o'er our heads. 

LIVIA. 
My brother I 

CASCA. 

Aulus will explain, my dear, jj^ sits. 



12 



The IMPERIAL AUTHOIUTY 



AULUS. 

The superstitious rabble of the Roman streets 
Have seized the notion that the backward spring, 

And long, cold rains are visited upon the world 
Because a vestal virgin did allow the sacred flame to flicks out. 

With words of discontent and rumblings deep, 
490 The populace demand her punishment. 

LIVIA. 

No sound hath yet reached me. 

AULUS. 

No one hath dared to violate the dictate of thy husband; 

He hath said your peace of mind must not be touched, 

And he hath laid a heavy hand upon the foremost of the crowd; 

But still the leaven works. 

A plain, rough soldier have I always been, 

But now regret my lack of honied words; 

The news w^e bear doth need them much. 

LIVIA. 

Delay no more! 

AULUS. 

Unless we find a means 
To lay the rufiled feathers of the street, 
There soon will be a rising up; and thee and Titus, 
With the rest, will feel the fury of the mob. 

LIVIA. 

Doth Titus know? 

AULUS. 

505 ^ He knows. 

But proudly scorns the wishes of the world. 

We have not gone to him; it would be useless; 

You, your brother and myself, alone, must fight this fate. 

LIVIA. 

What part am I to have? 



of TITUS FLiWIUS. '3 

AULUS. 

Sio We think it best for thee to disappear 

TT .-lii ±. • ^^r.4- NARCISSA enters Jower left. 

Until the storm is past, remaining undiscovered. 

LIVIA. 

But Titus will not let me go. 

AULUS. 

Means will be found to gain at least his sufferance. 

This afternoon, at dinner, you'll arise and say 

That you 've become a Christian; 

That the life you lead is hateful to your better nature; 

That the court 's a seat of wickedness and sin; 

For so the Christians rave. 

As you say that, there will appear a friend of ours, 

Gaudentius, at the door, and you will go with him 

521 Despite your husband's violence; 

For we will have the emperor made acquainted with the plot, 

As he doth keep his ear against the ground more closely. 

Thus, will you escape the blind, destructive love of Titus, 

To return when danger 's past. 

LIVIA. 

How long, my brother, will it be? 

AULUS. 

Until the fancy of the mob 

Is shortly caught by some new whim. 

LIVIA. 

Oh tell me! 

_ , , i 1 o CASCA shakes his head 

Can there be no other way : and goes upper left. 

AULUS. 

Your brother is oppressed for fear the plot will fail 
532 By your faint-heartedness. 

Or that you will impart a knowledge of the secret 

To your husband, thus destroying every hope. 

Full well he knows the dangers which surround us; 

Though our plot is bold 'tis much the best, 



4 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

For did you say farewell to Titus privately, 

He would persuade you to remain; 

And did you go without disguise to Casca's house, 

Its doors would fall before thy husband's wrath. 

'T is resolution wins the darkest day, 

542 And we three here must sternly act as one. 

LIVIA. 

Yea, sternly act, if we have courage for it, 

Though I fear, I fear a fatal outcome in this course. 

There 's yet another risk you know not of. 

"Will you betray a trust? 

You are mistaken if you think that Titus does not fear, 

For he fears something, all that it may be I do not know; 

He says it is his brother's treachery and violence, 

For as you know, Domitian with impatience views the throne. 

You have not known that Titus hath an heir. 
552 He 's three months old. 

The secret has been closely kept. 

My brother, even, knows not of his little nephew Numa, 

Who is thought to be some soldier's sport. 

You may prevail on me to leave my husband. 

But you '11 never come between this boy and me. 

CASCA turns tcivard them. 

Oh keep the secret yet! 

AULUS. 

The good wife of Gaudentius, famed for mother's love, 

To her will you entrust the child? 

Then have it brought while I am sending out for ker. 

Exeu-.it AULUS J07ver riisht, and LIVIA, upper right. NAR- 
CISSA approaches CASCA. He is startled. 

' NARCISSA. 

562 What scheme have you on foot? 

What cunning plot hath that old reprobate hatched out? 

Be sure that he will prove your friend. 

And such a friend the very warmth of his aftection 

Will suffice for your undoing; 



^5 

Such a friend as you have been to me. 

CASCA. 

Narcissa, you misjudge me, 
It 's not wise to say a man 's your enemy until he 's dead. 

NARCISSA. 
570 And then it matters not. 

CASCA. 

Believe me, child, 
Though I am tardy, I will act the better part. 

NARCISSA. 

Before you 're dead. 

But I will see that Livia is protected 

From this aulic craft, as far as I have power. 

When she becomes a Christian so will I. 

CASCA. 

Narcissa, dear, the situation 's delicate, the danger great. 

NARCISSA. 
Wherever she is taken I will go, 
So waste thee no more words. 

CASCA. 

580 I may forbid. 

NARCISSA. 

You threaten me! 

CASCA. 

I beg your pardon, sweet! 

So tender is the peril that I know not what I say. 

Believe me, dear, your presence would not 

"Further Livia 's interests while you might destroy us all. 

Remain behind and claim from me whatever favor I can grant. 

NARCISSA. 

Then promise me that Livia from these affairs 

Shall finally emerge unharmed. 



^6 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

CASGA. 

The pledge is made. She comes! Away with me, 
For from this moment you must act a minor part. 

Exeunt both, loiver left. Enter LIVIA, upper rigJit, carryiti^an 
infa,it. LUCIA follows, di^^t LIVJA'6 direction remains at 
the rear, keeping' a close w'dt/h, 

LIVIA. 

My gentle babe, you smile on me in all my misery. 
59* You could not ss&le if I were doing wrong; 

You could not snA with daa^er threatening, 

Could you now, my love? f/^^^,f ^^^^-^^"'^^^ '""" 

GAUDENTIUS. 

I 've brought the co»tume which you are to wear. 

LIVIA. 

Are you a Christian, sir? 

GAUDENTIUS. 

I try to be. 

LIVIA. 

Have you no fear in harboring me, of Titus wrath? 

GAUDENTIUS. 

I am persuaded, Aulus hath said, you have espoused our faith; 
That you desire to make your home among the Christians; 

Lowly though we be, I trust that none of us 
Shall e'er be swerved from duty's path by Cesar's frown. 

LIVIA. 

603 My fears grow less before so brave a man. 

GAUDENTIUS. 

And may your faith increase, fpj^f, ^^^^^^^^' ''""''■ 

MARTHA. 

You 've sent for me? 

GAUDENTIUS. 

The Empress Livia hath here a child. 
An infant which, for weighty reasons, must remain unknown. 
The Spirit hath descended on her head 



^TITUS FLAVlUa -7 

And she desires to leave the court, 
610 And be with us awhile . 

-T, 1 .-, -u'l^ LIVIA kisses the child and giver 

Take you the chila. u to martha. 
My wife shall not be senseless of the honor, 
Nar neglectful of the trust. 

LIVIA. 

Where shall I see him next? 

GAUDENTiyS. 

At Pliny's house. 

LIVIA. 

At Pliny's house! 

GAUDENTIUS. 

The noble Pliny hath been generous enough 
To set apart for me this day some chambers in house, 
That of my architectural skill he may 
6io With more minuteness learn; 

And there in secrecy you may remain. 

LIVIA. 

Oh Martha! Martha! He 's my life! 

MARTHA. 

And he shall be as dear to me as any of my own. 

Exit MARTHA, lower right , with the child. 

GAUDENTIUS, 
And when you call me I '11 be waiting here. 

Exit GA UDENTIUS. lower right. 

LIVIA. 

Oh heavy heart, I feel thee faltering in thy throb; 
I feel the darkness stealing on, 
627 But in the twilight I must smile 

And seem to be the mirror of the noonday sun. 

Enter PLOTINA and TITUS, upper right. 

TITUS. 

Plotina He wishes it to appear that she has delayed their return. 



^8 The IMPERIAL AUTHOiUTY 

PL0TINA. 

Titus ! Lay the blame right there, S^^ffl^^ 
For I will shoulder none of it as I am not responsible 
For your delay. I dragged him back. 

LIVIA. 

633 I thought as much. A sorry lover, he. farT''"''"''^ "' 

TITUS. 

Your moods would render any lover so, 

LIVIA. 

A wit! 

PLOTINA. 

A charming wit! 

LIVIA. 

A brilliant wit ! 

PLOTINA. 

He hath good points. 

LIVIA. 
A few, 

TITUS. 

How much is bid for me? 

PLOTINA. 

I 'd much prefer a slave from Greece. 

LIVIA. 

Or even Africa. 

PLOTINA. 

I am afraid he is not sound. 

LIVIA. 
644 That'saUheis. 

PLOTINA. 

Oh then he 's worth, say, ninety nine sestertii. 

LIVIA. 

I '11 bid a hundred more. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 9 

TITUS. 

A good sized bog would not be sold for that. 

PLOTINA. 

But you 're a runt. 

LIVIA. 

649 Though stockily built. 

PLOTINA. 
Yes! Yes! But clumsy; still I '11 bid a thousand more. 

LIVIA. 

Then I will say eleven thousand. 

PLOTINA. 

I '11 say twenty four. 

TfTUS. 

The market price of runts is mending rapidly. 

LIVIA. 

When once my mind is set, upon a trifle, 

No one lives to thwart my mood; 

I '11 bid a hundred thousand times your price. 

PLOTINA. 

The auction 's not done yet; I '11 go to seek more capital 

Exeunt PLOTINA and LUCIA, upper right. LIVIA embraces 
TITUS. 

LIVIA. 

This don't torment you, Titus? 

TITUS. 

Ah my love, I would be sold for the smallest part 

Of one sestertius and think that no man ever brought 

St> high a price if you did make the purchase for yourself. 

LIVIA. 

You love me Titus? 

TiTUS. 
I63 Love you — 

LIVIA. 

Ah I know you do. 



30 Tk IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

But wili you always love nie so? 
Perchance should I at some ill-fated time persuade myself 

To find in other occupations more engaging pleasures 

Than thy love affords; should I from fear or duty go away; 

Will then your love remain as firm as now, 

670 And will our keen-edged happiness endure 

The rasp of time; the grit of jealous doubt? 

TITUS. 

When the sun his orbit leaves, 

When day doth follow night no more, 

And Night doth reign supreme; 

Our love will then burn low. 

When all the winds, the gentle winds, the sturdy winds, 

The fierce rude winds, have ceased to blow. 

The embers of our love will still be bright; 

But when a silence vast reigns o'er the earth 

680 And every sound is dead. 

And when at last the waves die down 
And the restless sea is stilled, then dear, 
The last light of our love will sink away. 

KLABO enters, upper riffht. 

KLABO. 

Your father, sir, upon a point of state, 
Desires your counsel ere he comes to dine. uppL-^/^fuF' 

LIVIA. 

I knew you loved me not, you prove it, quite, 

By setting bounds to the inimitable mood. 

What hath the sun to do with love? 

In twilight are we colder than at noon? 

The winds, do we need them to fan our thoughts? 

And silence, when are we not envious of every sound 

692 That blurs our lightest whisper? 

Whilst the waves, I 've known thee long, 

But now I first have learned 

The distant sea hath auglit to do with our sweet love, 

jvluch less to terminate its amorous course. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 

No! Titus, no! Think not our love shall ever feel 

The touch of hideous death; 

In some far happier place 

The flame of our immortal passion, bright and clear, 

701 Shall always and forever burn. They embrace. 

Have faith, my husband, in my love, 

And in the darkest hour remember 

That my final thought shall always be for you. 

TITUS. 

The darkest hour shall be 
When I have lost one thought of thine. 

LIVI'A. 

Would you deny me pleasure in the child? 

TITUS. 

Your thoughts for him are thoughts for me. 

Ah let us go and see him now. 

lilVIA. 

No! No! Thou canst not see him now! 

TITUS. 
711 And why? 

LIVIA. 

Thy father waits for thee. 

TITUS. 

He 'li pardon the delay. 

LIVIA. 
But Numa is asleep. 

TITUS. 

I 've looked at him in sleep before. 

LIVIA. 

But he is nervous , fretful. 
And we must not run the risk of wakinfj him. 

TITUS. 

Well! Well! I think a father cares a little for a c '^'^-i. 



3» 



Tkc IMPERIAL AimiOOTT 



LIVIA. 

You hurt me Titus; love, you do. '^T^TusXpSr r§? 

BERENICE appears on the lefts frotn behind tJie shi^i'ate, Hav- 
ing entered through an opening invisible to the auStence. 

J20 Farewell, my love! Farewell, my love! 

Was ever prospect fair so clou-ded over, 
Changed so in a moment, thus. 
To gloomy niight and blinding mist? 

BERENICE. 

Unfaithful Titus! Still another victim to thy cold caprice. 

Exit LIVIA, middle right. Enter CASCA, lower left. 

CASCA. 

'Tis Berenice! How have you ret-urBed to Rome? 

She places her right hand across her brow atjid quickly removes it. 
in a peculiar and noticeaole though natural manner. CASCA 
makes a similar motion. 

BERENICE. 

Then you are in the plot. 

CASCA. 

How came you to this room? 

BERENICE. 

I know these passageways as well as thou the streets of Rome. 

CASCA. 

729 You run grave risks and have not much to gain. 

BERENICE. 

I risk no more than you, I gain qo less. 
But I'd have thought thee satisfied to have the Flavians stay,; 
©an Aulus make a better e-mperor, for you, tha^ one c^ thenw 

With an effort CASCA conce'dls his suprise at this revelation of 
the duplicity of A UL US. 

CASCA. 

Do you expect to be his queen? 

BERENICE. 

When Aulus sits upon the throne, I sit upon has knee. 

CASCA. 

You care but little for the forms of dignity. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 33 

BERENICE. 

736 An empress is above reproach, 

CASCA. 

To be his empress came you here? 

BERENICE. 

He 's rather old. 

GASCA. 

Then make your best speed to Cilicia's bounds again; 

I kill the hope, for like a schoolboy I 've been tricked, 

And like a schoolboy I will trick again. 

Until this moment I have thought that I had been selected 

As emperor to be. Conspire no more! 

BER'ENiCE. 

744 Tell Titus will you ! Wait ! 

Each one of us is for himself; 
Though once I thought a bit of thee. 

CASCA. 
A thought it did remain. 

BERENICE. 

It might come back; 
Would you not make a better emperor than Aulus, man! 

CASCA. 

He said as much. 

BERENICE. 

You 'd make a finer figure on the throne. 

CASCA. 

And have a fatter knee. 

BERENICE. 

753 A knee 's a knee. 

I thought a great deal of you once. 

CASCA. 

Plot on. 



3. The IMPERIAL AUTHCmiTY 

BERENICE. 

If Titus wants me back, 
The first conspirator who takes a step 
Shall stumble to the ground; if not below. 
759 If Titus still remains a rock, 

We '11 make old Aulus emperor to gratify his pride; 
A day of haughtiness shall do for him, a single day. 

CASCA. 

And when we kill him for his crimes. 

We '11 be applauded by the crowd. This plan ir.iist be the one. 

BERENICE. 

Though not if Titus takes me back. 

CASCA. 

7^5 You know that he 's a married man. 

BERENICE. 

His wifel 

CASCA. 

My sister. 

BERENICE. 
You 've no sister out of childhood. 

Livia, the vestal. 

BERENICE. 

^larried, do you say, and secretly? 
He '11 tire of her. 

CASCA. 

77^ In time. 

BERENIC". 

He must! Today! 
Attack her character. 

CASCA. 

My sister! 



Ot 1 1 i U3 ri.t/\¥iU)^. 35 

BERENICE. 
Dost thou think that she will place 
777 The robes of state on you, 

And see her husband unprotected, and herself despised? 

CASCA. 
She dies today ere sunset. Klabo!^/" 

TT* J I BERENICE conceals herself on tlie left. 
Xliaei Enter KLABO, upper right. 

Did you allow Kypokrates to enter from the street 

When he came in? 

I know that he and Aulus had been talking 

Long together just before he came to me. 

I only wish you to confirm my knowledge of the fact. 

KLAEO. 

Your confirmation, sir, must come from other sources, 
For Hypokrates had not been seen by Aulus when I let himm- 

CASCA. 
Ask Tacitus to presently come here; and Varro too. 

Exit KLABO, upper right. BERENICE reappears. 

I am commanded by the greater powers to offer Livia a sacrifice, 
790 The message coming through Hypokrates; 

I feared that Aulus might have plotted that. 

BERENICE. 

He would not dare, the sacrilege would be too great. 

CASCA. 

He has arranged a guard for her! 
He thinks to cheat the gods , to steal her from my ven geance for 
His hateful purposes . I, too, will have a body of retainers ready 

When she leaves the palace gate. 

BERENICE. 
She is to leave? 

CASCA. 

Pretending to become a Christian, 
799 So that Titus' wrath may fall on them, 

Thus giving me an opportunity to execute the deed. 



# The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

BERENICE. 

To put the blame upon the Christians, ah! 
Why, let it fall upon some enemy of yours; 
803 Let Titu« think she goes to him ; 

And then he wrll not grieve and mope for her. 

CASCA. 

On Pliny's head, for he opposes us. 

BERENICE. 

She '11 go? 

CA'SCA. 

We 've made her fear the mob. 

BERENICE. 

She 's very apt to turn and face its violence, 

If she hath metal in her like your own. 

Stay! Have her think that I am here at Titus' wish. 

That he, unfaithful to his vows, hath called me back again. 

CASCA. 

812 If she doth falter, it shajl then be done. 

BERENICE. 
A loving woman does not lightly leave her husband's house. 

CASCA. 

We '11 have some proof; write on this plate: 

"You are commanded, Casca Lentu-llus, 

To execute your sister with the rites prescribed by fate. ' ' 

BERENICE. 

And forge the name of Titus Flavins. 

CASCA. 

No! We 'H let him sign it for himself, 
819 And then I think that she will go. 

Exit BERENICE, lower left. Enter TRANQUILLJUSy tipper 
right. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

Who 's the old woman, there? 

CASCA. 

Your mother, it Is said. 



of TIT¥S FLAVRIS. 37 

TRANQUILLIUS. 
Then we are brothers, sire. 

CASCA. 

823 The honor 's yours. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

I fear your generosity will spoil your temper, sire. 

TRANQUILLIUS seats himself at the right, on the bundle 
which (TA UDENTIUS has left. 

I 've not that quality. 

TRANQiJILLIUS. 

Temper, sire; or generosity? Are both entirely gone? 
Did that old woman take a bundle off? 

CASCA. 

Why so? 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

I have been sent to get a bundle here ; I see it not. 

©ASGA. 

No? 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

No? 

CASCA. 
No. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

No! 

CASCA. 

No! 

TRANQUILLIUS. 
No! 

CASCA. 

No! 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

CW^ I He discovers 

KJW. thebuOm. 

CASCA. 

Oh! 



Exit TRANQUILLIUS and enter LI VIA, upper right. 

LIVIA. 
839 I will not go! Send quickly, bring- Gaudentius back, 
He took a treasure from me. Send! Oh! Send, for him! 

CASCA refuses. 

'T was wrong to think of going and I happily see again 
The light of reason ere it is too late. 

CASCA. 
You 've been persuaded; you have told. 

LIVIA. 
My heart alone hath been my counselor. 

GASGA. 

Your judgement, what of that? 

MVIA. 

846 I have no judgement aaad I wan«t no judgement 
Which will coldly come between my love and me. 

CASGA. 

Rush on to your destruction for the weak indulgence of an hour. 

LIVIA. 

I need advice; alone I can not know what 's best, 

And whether I should disregard the promptings of my heart . 

I '11 not be satisfied to go without advice; 

Let 's leave it to some judge, a man unbiassed, 

W^hy not Trajan, Pliny, Juvenal or Tacitus? 

CASCA. 

Say Juvenal, as he 's the oldest of the lot. 

LIVIA. 

855 I '11 to him, straight, exu uvia, upper u/t. 



of TITUS FIAVIUS. 39 



THe fecond folylo^uie of Cafca Lentullus. 

I stand upon the parting ways; 

I stand between the roads to happiness and fame; 

I stand between inaction and the mastery 

Of circumstance; between this fearful impulse 

And the peaceful conduct of the full, unsullied heart. 

With honor may I save the day for Titus, 

For I 've gone to lengths no further 

Than are warranted in seeking out conspiracy; 

With vigor I may seize the throne, 

And occupy that splendid summit 

Which inspires the universe with envy and alarm. 

I hesitate to catch the challenge up 

By Fate thrown flaunting down; 

I cringe, a creature of her will, a thing of mere caprice. 

O mocking Fate! Come try thy wratij oa me, 

Bring forth thy proofs, condemn me to inaxtion 

If thou canst; come show me who is master. 

Who shall rule the great ambition coursing in my veins! 

Come to the conflict armed in all thy might. 

For thou hast now an adversary lit to try thy skill. 

Enter JVARCISSA, loiver left. The approach of TITUS causes 
iter to retire ivithout discovering herself to CAbCA. Her presence 
is a premonition. 



40 



Tkc Ei^ERIAL AUTHORITY 



Enter TITUS, upper right. 

876 I seek you, sir! I have the worst of news. 

TITUS. 

A little time may wear it out. 

CASCA. 

Doth time wear out illicit love? 
Doth time abate conspiracy? 

TITUS. 

You broach most serious subjects, Casca. 

CASCA. 

Seriously must they be met. 

TITUS. 

Conspiracies by scores are laid but few are ever hatched. 

CASCA. 

Mtrigues by scores are carried on, and guilt and acquiescence 
884 Flourish on the food of love but few are ever barred 
Against the judgement seat of public scorn. 

TITUS. 

Should this touch me? 

CASCA. 

Thy father's throne is threatened by conspiracy; 

Old Aulus leads the malcontents; 

Thy house is robbed already of its joy, 

For Pliny, graceful, polished Pliny, loves the empress; 

Loves her with a passion long concealed but not denied. 

TITUS. 

Her brother! 

CASCA. 

No one else hath dared. 

TITUS. 

894 Proofs! Proofs! From even thee! 

CASCA. 

Conceal thy motive; read the words of Pliny's mouth. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. <• 

Enter TACITUS, upper right. 

I Ve tried in vain to recollect that pretty speech of Pliny's; 
Which Titus hath desired to hear. Give him the lines. 

TACITUS. 

I w^ould not have an adept like the future emperor 
899 Compare these straggling dots of mine 

With his perfection in the art. 

TITUS. 

The speech! 

TACITUS. 

He takes the tablet from his breast and reads. 

**0h! Casca, look! Oh, look v^here Livia comes! 

The charm of dignity in every movement lies, 

She hath the fascination of immortal loveliness . 

How like a gentle breath she moves along the corridor. 

Hov7 like a dream her presence makes 

The cold and gloomy hallways of this palace seen. 

908 She, Casca, is thy sister- ' ' He stops. 

TITUS. 



Read onl 



TACITUS. 

The rest is of but little moment, sir, 

TITUS. 



Read on! 



TACITUS. 

I 've reached a part I do not care to read. 

TITUS. 

You 've reached a part I wish to hear. 

TACITUS. 

I 'd break a confidence by reading further, sir; 
The matter does not signify the least. 

TITUS. 

Bead onl 

TACITUS. 

917 I would regret to disobey thy last command. 



4^ Tkc IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

CASCA. 

No doubt it is a trivial thing that Tacitus conceals; 
Perhaps within an hour he might be glad to read the rest. 

TITUS. 

920 I would not run the risk of losing what is left. 

TACITUS. 

I '11 leave the tablet here upon the ledge. 

CASCA. 

To clinch the truth with evidence let Titus sign the plate. 

TITUS. 

Indeed my confidence in you doth not need that. 

TACITUS. 

But Certain knowledge is a more substantial crown 
For conndence than any halo of belief, however bright. 

TITUS. 

926 Mine, too, shall then be crowned. 

TITUS throivs his robe over the ivritfeii portion of the tablet so 
that TACITUS may be sure that he does 7iot read any of it ivhile 
signing. 

Another tablet for your signature. 

TACITUS places his tablet on a ledge, doiim right, and goes out. 
TITUS signs CASCA' S tablet: the order for LI VIA' S death. 

What think you now, is 't proof enough. 
Or will you have some more? 

TITUS. 

Go on? 

CASCA. 

They have arranged for her to leave the palace in an hour. 

TITUS. 

532 I think she may, but under guard. 

CASCA. 

Control thyself! I '11 have my spies see where she goes, 

And take her into custody 

When she has reached the meeting place. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. « 

936 Let not this private grief, though, 

Blind you to the danger of the forming plot, 
For this is only Pliny's share; the throne is envied, too. 

TITUS. 

Oh ! What care I for that if she is gone? 

CASCA. 

It gives you power to punish her. 

TITUS. 
I will inform my father of the danger; he 
Can cope with that. Instruct the spies. 

Exit TITUS, tipper right. Enter VARRO, loiver right. 

CASCA. 

The empress leaves the palace gate within an hour. 

She wears the Christian garb. 

Remove her to the house of Marius Germanicus 

34S Despite whatever opposition you may meet. 

By this way: Livia comes! 

Exit VARRO, lower right. Enter LIVIA and JUVENAL, u^- 
per left. 

LIVIA. 

Now Casca, thou art shown at fault, 
For Juvenal, in his wisdom, hath confirmed my fears. 

CA.SCA. 

You think it best for her to stay? 

JUVENAL. 
To me there seems no need for all this haste. 

CASCA. 

Have you determined now to break your word with us? 

LIVIA, 

953 I have decided not to go. 

CASCA. 

And she hath told thee all the reasons for the plan? 

JUVENAL. 
I trust my reputation hath not yet been sullied 



.4 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

By a judgement rashly given, 
Though there may be facts in this which we have yet to learn. 

CASCA. 

There are! Once more, I ask you, will you go? 

LIVIA. 

959 I have determined not to go. 

GASCA. 

Then stay and meet your death! 

For since you pierce my subterfuge, the truth must be revealed; 

The Jewess hath returned and Titus loves her still, 

A fatal order hath been signed, 

And I must be your executioner. 

JUVENAL 

Unnatural man! 

CASCA. 

Things willed by Caesar must be done. 
The awful cost of disobedience would be in vain; 
Go then, before the order reaches me. 

JUVENAL. 
969 You know? 

CASCA. 

I saw her write the tablet, sir! 
Their plot is this: To the feast she comes, 

And all of them will laugh her off; 

She presently returns, and some laugh not; 

A messenger comes in with news of rising discontent 

Against the virgin hidden here, thyself! 

The Jewess stands 'there waiting and a place is made for her. 

Enter Af OXIDES, upper left. 

LIVIA. 

977 I '11 go ere she returns. 

CASCA. 

Put on the garb; collect thy trinkets for the time is short. 

Exit LIVIA, upper right. CASCA sits apart. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 45 

JUVENAL. 

Well Monides? Yes! Yes! I sent for you. 

We have arranged a pleasantry 

With one of Rome's voracious eaters ; 

982 When I send for you a little while from now, 

Bring" in what game you've shot, upon a hunt in whicii 

'T will be supposed you'll be engaged. 

Arrange it so that you shall bring no game with you 

Except a crow. Shoot me a crow and bring it back. 

Exit MONIDES, Imver left. Enter PI.INY and APICIUS tip- 
per riglit, where all the banqueters presently enter as occasion 

dictates. 

PLINY. 

Apicius, I am told, that in couvsideration of your noted appetite, 

The emi^eror hath said you shall be served a double course. 

APICIUS. 
A double course! A double course! 
Thou mockst my hunger, Pliny, with such news. 
991 For ten long years have I intrigued 

With Aulus, Klabo, even Julia and Plotina, 

That Vespasian might relax his discipline 

And give me more to eat when I 'm his guest. 

Today, they said he had relented; 
Now you say he has decreed a double portion! 

JUVENAL. 
While you wanted double that. 

APICIUS. 
My most self-sacrificing suit was for 
999 A full quadruple course at least. 

Expecting that, I have not swallowed food today. 
For two long hours, and now you say a double course! 

JUVENAL. 
Poor, famine stricken wretch, casca rises. 

APICIUS. 

Yes! YesI 't 'as been two hours, and then I only ate 

A dozen Martian apples and a little quart of Massic wine; 



^ The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

And now I '11 lie for five long hours upon this couch, 
With but a double portion, ah! 
1007 I fe^i" I must despatch myself, 

In imitation of my father's father. 
If I am compelled to starve like this. Ti:ey are doivn le/t. 

PLINY. 

A double course! 

APICIUS. 

I feel that I can sympathize with Christians in their fasts. 

JUVENAL 

Alas, a double course! 

Enter VESPASIAN, TACITUS and JULJA. 

VESPASIAN. 

To you the place of honor goes today, good Tacitus; 
A man, who in addition to his many talents, can devise a dish 

To dull the appetite, deserves in these voracious times 
1016 The gratitude of temperate mankind, 

Much less the place of honor at my humble meal, 
Which you can see I have here in the atrium, today. 
That the beauty of the peristyle 
May thriftily economize the kitchen's cost. He sirs. 

TACITUS. 

A man of honest purposes would rather taste thy bread 
Than tongue the wines and salads of the richest feast in Rome. 

upon each of the three couches radiating from the two tables 
there is room for three persons. Beginning at the left, the ban- 
queters are presently seated in the follo'vincr order: 

FLOTINA, TRAJAN and APICIUS; TACITUS, {a vacant 
place) and PLINY; VESPASIAN, DEM ETRIUS and J ULIA; 
NARCISSA, CASCA and CALLUS; J U VENAL, DOMITIAN 
and GRACCUS: and AULUS, TITUS and LI VIA. 

VESPASIAN. TACITUS sits. 

1023 Come, Pliny, sit thee here with Tacitus. 

They call me niggard, miser, avaricious country clown, 
But though they lay this crime and that against my door, 

I would not have them say I withered up 

The freshness of a friendship such as thine, so sit thee here; 

For separation ever proves the drouth of love. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. .7 

TITT TQ PLINY. APICIUS and JULIA 

H 1 U,;^. ^{( TITUS and CALLUS enter. 

1029 You, Juvenal, I will place against 

The most appalling- dish that Tacitus can offer, 
For thy satire chokes the greediest men in Rome. 

Enter DOMITIAN and DEMETRIUS, followed by KLABO. 
JUVENAL atid TITUS sit. 

APlCiUS. 

What jokes are these about economy? 

1 y T V P M A T CALLUS sits. En ter PL O- 

JU Vi:,i>(A.L,. TINA and NARCISSA. 

Starvation, dear Apicius, is the topic now, 
The economic stage is past and dead. 

CASCA, DOMITIAN DEMETRIUS, PLOTINA and NAR- 
CISSA sit. The meti lie on the coiiclies at full length, resting 
on their left elbows, ivhile the women sit erect or half reclining. 
Enter AULUS and GRACCUS, immediately taking their places. 

APICIUS. 
And truly---is---are--- will there be no food? 

VESPASIAN. 
1036 Until more guests arrive we '11 wait. 

API€rUS. 

Where 's Trajan, Nerva, Livia, Josephus? 

TACliyS. 

Mention not that Jew, I hate his kind. 

DOMITIAN. 

He 's writ a history. 

TACITUS. 

But he 's a Jew. 

PLOTINA Enter LIVIA, taking her place. 

And Trajan is delayed by fights among the Jews. 
They spattered mud upon his robe. 

VESPASIAN. 

Is he ashamed of earth? 

PLOTINA. 
1044 'T was I who sent him back. iTeiiviT "'^ "'' 

JULIA. 

Disturbances among the Jews are very frequent and notorious. 



^ The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

PLIMY. 

Nay! It is the Christians and the Jews, and not the Jews alone. 
Who break the peace. 

JULIA. 

But how are they opposed? 

JUVENAL. 
1049 The matter, I am told, is a culinary difference, 

The Christians liking their fruit whole, 
The Jews preferring theirs, particularly apples, nicely peeled. 

APlCiUS. 

Let us discuss the meal and not the Jews; the dice! 

TRANQUILLIUS enters tvitli a cup of dice for each table. 
The guests throw i?i rotation, beginning on the left. 

TITUS. 

Christianity 's a baleful superstition, 
Newly spread from Palestine. 

DOMITIAN. 
2055 And it deserves a careful scrutiny; 

*T is said the Christians with their gods 
Deny to other people theirs. We '11 watch them close. 

JUVENAL. 

They are your enemies indeed, 

For Christian is as poor in rhymes as one of them in goods. 

While Jew will rhyme with screw and shoe and slew and few. 

And you can hew your poem through 

And glue your name to fame, 

1063 With forty rhymes for Jew still left in view. 

APICIUS. 
I think that every man should have his individual god. 

JUVENAL 

And I maintain that every god should have his individual man. 

That is, if men are found, enough to go around. 

DOMITIAN. 

It seems to me that every fool should have his individual cage. 



of TITUS FLiWlUa <9 

JUVENAL. 

And each and every poet grand should have his individual pen. 
1069 I ' ve won the throw ! 

AFICIUS. 
And luck has favored me; 
Now, Juvenal, throw ; and see who '11 be the master of the feast ! 

JUVENAL 
Sweet Venus is my throw. 

APICiUS. 

A -. • Thev laugh 

And aces, mine, at htm. 

VESPASIAN. 
Now, Juvenal, propose the order of the meal. 

JUVENAL. 
1075 Bring on the light and airy Setine wine. 

APlCiUS. 
But first the pumice stone to whet our throats, 
And then Falernian wine; this Setine kind is sweetened oil. 
The other 's rich and red. 

JUVENAL. 

Sour blood, gross appetite! 

APICIUS. 
This chicken-livered cynic has a cobweb throat. 

JUVENAL. 
With a velvet palate. 

APICIUS. 
And a thimble-sized interior. 

JUVENAL. 
1083 But I thank the gods that my exterior 

Hath never yet got in my way. 

APICIUS. 

'Tis a gastronomic honor, sir 



50 Tkc IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

It shows I always know what good food is. 

JUVENAL. 

And always shows you never know when you have had enough. 

APICIUS. 

Its capacity 's its boast and pride. 

VESPASIAN. 
1089 He can not know when he has had enough, 

He lies unconscious then. 

APICIUS. 

Its capacity 's its boast and pride. 

JUVENAL. 

Ho! ho! How much say, doth it hold? 

APIGIUS. 

Immeasurable quantities. 

JUVENAL. 

How much? 

APICIUS. 

1095 How much, say you, it will refuse to hold? 

JUVENAL 

I have an honest archer, Monides, now on a hunt; 
I '11 wager you that he brings with him back 
More game than yon can stomach in a week. 

APICIUS. 

I gladly take your bet; of what amount? 

JUVENAL. 

A thousand new sestertii. 

APICIUS. 

A thousand- --new sestertii. 

VESPASIAN. 

"02 Let 's drink to the choice of the gods. 

They drink, the iui7ie having been brought by KLABO. VESPASI- 
AN lets the wi7ie spout from the small end of his /torn through 
the air into his 7nouth. JUVENAL alone, follows his example. 



af TITUS FLAVIUS. 5 

Come, Tacitus, to start the feast, 

Bring on your promised dish 

And see how it will turn our tongues against the meal. 

TACITUS motions to KLABO, who brings in a veiled urn, put- 
ting it on the left table. JULIA wiveils it. 

TACITUS. 

Within that urn, my friends, is all that 's left 

Of one whose name has made the bravest of you tremble; 

One whose lightest whim might end forever 

Love and hope with life itself. 

Proud, wilful, bloody, jealous Nero, 

nil That 's the sum of all your tyrannies. 

That 's the crown you '11 wear until the end of time itself. 

VESPASIAN. 
You say 'tis Nero's dust? 

TACITUS. 

He, even he, left friends; 
They spirited away the urn for fear some desperate soul, 
Dishonored by the monster, should in frenzy 
Cast upon the winds his hated ashes; they 
Succumbed before the hour of safety had returned; 
A will was brought to me in the usual course of law, 
1120 And thus I 'm made the guardian to carry back 
This dust unto its sepulchre; 
I! I! Whose brother died at his command. 
And my weak, long delayed revenge 
Must satisfy itself in making him, 
The once supreme and mighty ruler of the world, 
The small talk of our meal. 

APICIUS. 

He was a tyrant, at his board 
I left my fresh, young, strong digestion; 
1129 Give me that again and take ten years of life, 

JUVENAL 

He took from me my actor Paris! 
How, in my old age, can I expect to find 



5> TKe IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

Another subject for a satire, such as he? 
I've nothing- now to rail against but gluttony and theft, 
Dishonesty and husband poisoning and greed and lust and lies, 
"35 And such minute discrepancies; so Nero, 

Take a dozen years and give me back my actor, rank! 

^'i^^J^^-'^/'''^^^^ f/"^ «'-'}■ AULUS rises and after putting- 
a poivder into a 6ou'l of wine ivhic/i KLABO lias on a irav, re- 
turns to his place. -^ 

NARCISSA. 

Ah, avaricious claw, what hast thou done 

With all my father's gold? 

Four hundred millions of sestertii 

Thou filched from my inheritance and left me none; 

A score of years for such a hill of gold I 'd give. 

TITUS. 

And I as much if he '11 bring back my friend Britannicus, 
Whose death he managed with the vile Locusta's deadly draft. 

Oh Nero! hath the world a friend to offer any man, 
"■15 To match Britannicus? 

TACITUS. 
Another life is offered thee, why Nero, dost thou hesitate? 

JUVENAL 

'Tis foolish, sirs, to think a man who never did a favor, 
V/ill begin the practice, now he 's dead. 

TITUS. 

My friends, I 've lost a day! 

What favor have I granted since the sun came up? 

Not one? Here 's Nero's dust, I '11 favor it, 

And we who jeer at him, once more will do him reverence. 

A,drink to Nero's dust! 

JUVENAL. 

And let us drink, as the emperor and myself are wont to do, 
"55 In this time honored custom, friends. 

They drink, but only JUVENAL and VESPASIAN sPout the 
wine from the small end of the horn . LI VIA embraces L UCIA, 
^T^efZ^^r/f, T','r% E'lter BERENICE, lower left. Downright 
y KANquiLLIUS IS holding a cake, ivhich he regards with envy. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 53 

VESPASIAN. 

Simplicity is dead in these degenerate days, 

And ancient vigor, sapped by luxury, 

Consumes itself in idleness and vanity. 

BERENICE. 

Friends, give me to drink; 
I learned that ancient art in Alexandria. 

The banqueters rise on their hands. LI VI A, LUCIA, JULIA 
and TITUS stand. BERENICE extends her hand in vain. 

1:61 Is this your far-famed Flavian hospitality? 

Why not a farmhouse on my way from Greece 
Hath held aloof with such ungraciousness as thine. 

TACITUS. 
Ah, Berenice, Jewess grand--and aged-think you 
We are farmers to be played upon? 

BERENICE. 

Contemptuous Tacitus, of all the men I 've met 

Since I last dined within these portals, none 

Hath equalled thy injustice to my race. 

PLINY. 
J169 Sweet Berenice, which hath had 

The intellect to pierce thy siren's charms? 

BERENICE. 
This boy, who 's he? 

TACITUS. 

This venerable dame; 
We '11 have our fortunes told and let her go. 

Enter TRAJAN, upper left. At a motion from VESPASIAN he 
takes his place. 

BERENICE. 

Oh Titus! hath the day not been when jibes like these, 

Would echo in the dungeons of the Mamertine? 

You loved me then, and now you stand and see me jeered. 

Time was when feasting waited on a mood of mine; 

H78 And now, here Trajan, this young man, not long ago 

A soldier rough from Spain, unpolished and uncouth, 



54 



The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



He sits him down with emperors and I stand pleading, 

Not for love or friendship, merely for a place with you, 

That I may humbly listen to the accents, 

Once poured out to me in passionate promises and vows. 

TITUS. 

You come without an invitation, 

Nay, a banished and forbidden guest you come; 

And so you stand. 

You come because you hope to throw o'er me again 

1188 The spell you exercized so long; 

But Berenice, know that I have risen 

High above that base infatuation, 

Know that Titus rules himself again, 

And haste thee back to thy Cilician kinglet. 

Ere thy sister steals the fellow from thy arms. 

BERENICE. 

You lightly cast the seeds of scorn, 

But heavily shall you reap the harvest of revenge. 

This Livia; will the common herd of Rome 

Fall down in adoration when it 's fully known 

That you have taken from the temple for your lust 

A vestal pure? Rouse not their wrath, 

1200 But let our old time friendship spring again. 

APICIUS rises and approaches her. She is facing the right and 
he goes below her and pretends to speak secretly. 

APICIUS. 

Oh I should like to take his place, fair Jew! 

BERENICE slaps him in the face. A general laugh. 

JUVENAL. 

Oh ho! Aplcius! tell us now, where you have ever found 

A finer, warmer flavored dish than that? 

Apicius, come! extol the Berenician digits! 

Tell us all, the nature of the condiment, or possibly 'tis meat? 

And rivals both the Kentish oyster and the Melian crane; 
1207 Exceeds the flavor of the nightingale, 

And makes the taste of peacocks hearts as flat as that! 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 55 

APiCIUS. 

I did mistake a physic for a feast. Z^hiftiall 

BERENICE. 

There Is a place, between a young fool and an older one, 

And even there I 'd sit. anrfA§rus. 

TACITUS. 
And throw the glamour of thy middle age upon the group. 

BERENICE. 

Oh Titus! should I tell you that conspiracy 

Hath reared its hateful head again, 

That men here drinking of your wine, 

1216 Will presently be drinking of your blood, 

And I could save you, would you take me back? 

TITUS. 

'TIs ninety eight conspiracies, if I remember, 

Sometimes two a day, you 've saved me from; 

Your old time generosity in that respect 

Seems with you still. 

BERENICE. 

I had sharp eyes for thee ; 
No plot did ever take such root, when I was loved, 
Or spring such mighty branches 
As the one whose growing shadow soon shall prove thy night. 

TITUS. 

A welcome darkness If It happily hides thy smile. 

TRANQUILLIUS grandly bows her to the entrance. 

BERENICE. 

Beware thee Titus, of the swift resentment of discarded love. 

TITI I^ To KLABO, only LIVIA and LUCIA 

111 \J<j. being near enough to catch his words. 

1228 Detain her for a private Interview. 

Exit BERENICE, lower left. APICIUS spits after her. 

Conspirators, if you be here. 

Look In my father's face and ask yourselves 

If he hath not a kindly domination held? 



56 The IMPERIAL AUTHCmrrY 

Conspirators, look in his face, 

And hesitate before you strike the faithful steward; 

Think before you plungfe ^'^our country into civil war, 

And think before you place yourselves in opposition 

1236 To the mighty hand that still rules Rome. 

I think you all are friends; 

I see no face that augurs mischief, here; 

I think the Jewess spoke from sp'te, 

I 'm sure she did. We '11 prove it! here, an oath! 

By Nero's ashes and my father's head, 

That you are loyal to our rule! 

All at the left table, except VESPASIAN, fut out their hands . 

A GENERAL SPEECH, 

Long live Vespasian, emperor! 

TITUS. 

y-yAA A 1-1 /4 !-««•../% t He places the urn on the right table and all tut 

^-•14 .tina nerei out t/u-tr hands, except LUCIA and LI VI A. 

Your hand 's unmoved. 

LIVIA. 
And so it shall remain. 

TITUS. 

Your brother, here — 

LIVIA. 

Forgets his father's death. 

TITUS. 
You will not swear you 're loyal — 

LIVIA. 

Not by Nero's ashes. 

TITUS. 
J 251 By the gods. 

LIVIA. 

Nor yet by them; 
I '11 swear no more by pagan gods or mortal dust, 

For I am now become a Christian. rhey aii stand. 



57 

TITUS. 

Thou a Christian ! 

LIVIA. 
Yea, a Christian, Titus, 

She removes her white hinica-pallium^ appearing in a black robe. 

1257 I am done with courts and splendid pomp, 

And luxury and sin. Gauden tins, come! ^LrrS^t] 
This worthy man will henceforth be my teacher and my guide. 

TITUS. 

What folly sir, is this? 

You know that we have overlooked your superstitious worship, 

For the sake of your great art, but now you step too far; 

We will permit you yet to leave our presence, 

But our wife remains. 

LIVIA. 

We go together. 

TITUS. 

Livia, tell me when I ' ve given thee cause to leave thy home ; 

Have I been harsh, have I been faithless, cold or distant? 

When have I denied thee any pleasure that the empire holds? 

1269 And who could love thee with a deeper passion 

Than the one which burns in me? 

LIVIA. 

T 1^,.^ ^-U^^ r,-».:i1 •S'/'^ ^'"'«-y ^0 GAUDENTI- 

1 love tnee still. us with a gc-ture of appeal. 

GAUDENTIUS. 

But her Redeemer's voice is heard. 

TITUS. 

Invoke thy slimy magic now. 
And see if it prevails against the Roman sword. 

TITUS motions and a number 0/ soldiers, led by SEXTUS, en- 
ter, middle left. CASCA approaches TITUS. 

Arrest the man and watch the woman, 
1276 Lest by occult practices they spirit her away. 

CASCA. ^' ^^^^^ 

You hold her and destroy all evidence; I've posted guards! 



58 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

VFSPACITAN TIte soldiers re- 

V X-ori-iOl/\i'^. tire at his gesture. 

My son, alloAv them to depart in peace; 

I've dreaded long the mischief which might come to us 

Through this unnatural woman. Think yourself well rid of her. 

TITUS. 
1281 I want to save her from her own intended folly, 
Even though her love I seemingly have lost. 

Exit GA UDENTIUS, loiver right. A UL US in trying to speak 
to LIVIA privately^ is seen by TiTUS. 

I saw your signal! 

L' ,!_ I She perceives that he reproaches her for vcglccting their cus- 
Ivia. ternary farezvell kiss. She turns and kisses hitn. 

LIVIA. 

Oh think no more of this 

Than of a journey to my mother's house! 

Turn not your heart against me, Titus, 

Think you I would leave you thus, without a cause? 

And think you it shall be for all time; no, no, no! 

J290 You '11 love me still, you '11 love me always 

And the happy days shall come again; 

The happy days shall come again. 

Exit LIVIA, lower right. VESPASIAN groans. 

VESPASIAN. 

My drink 's been drugged! Assist me hence! 

I '11 be a god myself in half an hour, 

If they can't ease this pain. 

TITUS snmmons soldiers who enter ou the left, led by VARRO 
and SEXTUS. Exeunt DEMETRIUS. GALL US and GRAC- 
CUS hurriedly, lower left. A UL US is arrested. VESPASIAN 
surrounded by his guests moves to the right. 

TITUS. 

Now, Aulus, we shall know the meaning of that signal, 
1297 And the reason for this poison mixing. 

^xit AULUS in custody, middle left, followed by TRAJAN and 
SEXTUS. TITUS prepares a drink with a powder from a ring, 
taking water from the impluvium. 

Go! Tranquillius, bring physicians, quickly! Here is some relief. 

'xit TRANQUILLIUS at the top of his speed, upper right. 
LT US gives his father the drink which he has prepared. 



E. 
TITU 



VESPASIAN. 
Oh take me to my Sabine home, for there I shall be safe; 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 59 

1300 The oracles have said I am to die in Rome. 

Exeunt VESPASIAN, PLINY and TACITUS, ttpfer ri^rht- 
The wome?t are gathered about that entrance. Enter TRAJAN, 
middle left, folloived by SEXTUS carrying a roll of papers. 

TRAJAN. 

These papers have been found on Aulus' person. 

T I T I T Q ^^^ ^ ^^ hands 

111 \JJ. fiiffi the papers. 

Thou hast proved thyself my friend. 

A speech to be delivered to the guards. 

The Praetorians here are promised heavy sums, 

When Aulus sits upon my father's throne. 

The Jewess knew! 

We're tangled in the toils of some wide-spread conspiracy. 

Go '.Trajan, go! Divide the guards! 
Some to the palace here, some to patrol the streets ! 
First! have Aulus executed, where he stands. 

A silence. Exit SEXTUS, iniddle left. TITUS reads the second 
paper. The footfalls of SEXTUS and the rattle of the parch 
ment are the only sounds. Presently a loud cry from AULUS, 
within: then a brief silence, broken by the sound of a falling- 
body. Exeunt the ivomen, upper right. Re-enter SEX TUS, mid- 
dle left. Exit TRAJAN, upper left. 

A roll of traitors names; of men esteemed our friends. 
To the deepest dungeons of the Mamertine, 
J313 With the last name listed here. 

Exeunt JUVENAL, DOMITIAN and KLABO, upper right. 
Enter GAUDENTIUS, disordered, lower right. 

GAUDENTiUS. 

Oh Caesar! they have dragged thy wife away! 

Outside the palace gates , two crowds set on with clubs 

And bruised me thus, while she was carried off. 

TITUS. 

Come Sextus, come, with all our speed to Livia's rescue. 

Thou, Gaudentius, guide us as thou lovest thy life. 

Is Aulus dead? ifs'JZodysworJ. 

You, Casca, take command of all our forces here. 
Our father must be guarded on his way. 
:i322 We leave the list with you. 

Exeunt, lower right, all except TITUS, CASCA, VARRO and 
a few soldiers. 
A J J -01 • 1 Exit TITUS, lower right. 

Add Pliny s name. 



6o The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

CASCA. 

Before you take these prisoners 
To the Mamertine bring each one here to me. 
Wait Varro! bring me Gallus and Demetrius and Graccus first. 

Exit VARRO, upper left, folloived by CASCA. Enter TRAN- 
QUILLIUS, upper ri.i^/it. With ^reat circumspection he pro- 
ceeds to the left table and is about to pick nt the cake which he 
has admired ivhen APICIUS enters, middle right, in search of 
food. They are mutually startled and disgusted on discovering 
each other. 

APICIUS. 

You 're eating, sir! 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

1328 Sir! 

APICIUS. 

At the Em«peror's board; be off! 

TRANOUILLIUS. 
Be off! You heard the order and you are not gone. 

APICIUS. 

I heard the order and I am not gone; what order, clown? 

TRANOUILLIUS. 
The order was to take up arms against the traitors in the street. 

APICIUS. 
Eh! 

TRANOUILLIUS. 
What' arms do I see you take up? 

APICIUS. 

I? 

TRANOUILLIUS. 
1336 ^ Aye! 

APICIUS 
I 'm not a soldier. 

TRANOUILLIUS. 

What then might you be? 

APICIUS. 

I'll have you know that I am something better; a civilian, sir! 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 6. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 
1340 The Emperor desires the best of help; 

Civilians are particularly charged to take up arms. 

APICIUS. 

Eh! 

TRANQUILLIUS, 

And speedily; be off! 

APICIUS. 

I 've not the bearing of a military man; 
I fear I might be in the way. 

TRANQUILLIUS, 

The enemy's way, no doubt; 
A position of great usefulness, you'd stop a dozen spears. 

APJGIUS. 
1348 I? 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

Aye! 

APIGIUS. 

Say that you 've not seen me ; 
For I fear my health will not permit the sacrifice; 
However much it might be to my taste. 

He ffives TRANQUILLIUS money and is about to go, when 
MONIDES enters, upper left, carrying a crow impaled on an 
arrow. 

What 's this? 

MONIDES. 

My master sent me word 
That you should have the game I killed today. 

My luck was bad and this was all I shot. "he°frow. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 
1357 Oh this will suit your taste, oh! oh! 

Enter PLINY, JUVENAL atid TACITUS, uppier right. Thev 

conceal themselves behind columns, 

APICIUS. 

How can I ever come to that? 



fe Tkc IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

Then lose your bet. 

APICIUS. He groans. 

I Oh do me not this violence! My health will not permit; 
Consider that! 

TRANQUILLIUS. "' pretends to^ weep. 

1363 We feel for you. 

APICiUS. 

I'm sure of it, 
And never was I cold when sympathy was shown. 
Come, toss this thing away; here 's something to enjoy, 

Two hundred new sestertii apiece. They refuse. 

'T will buy at least a fourth your freedom, fool. 

They accept. MONIDES throws the crow upper middle. 

Diplomacy 's a noble art; it hath protected thee, good friend. 

He caresses his abdomett. 

A load is off my mind. 

He sees that the crow is still in view. 

Oh throw it out, entirely out! 

TACITUS discovers himself to them. 

TACITUS. 

1371 Diplomacy, Apicius, is a noble art. 

PLINY appears. 

PLINY. 

The culinary arts are quite surpassed. 

JUVENAL appears and picks up the crow. 

JUVENAL 

Oh what a load is taken off thy mind. 
Thou Monides; I took thee for an honest slave. 

MONIDES. 

And so I am. I knew that you were there 
And so I made the trade. 
I felt your presence as a faithful dog would do; 
1378 And so entrapped the fellow, here. 

APICiUS. 

Degraded villain ! it was I who laid the plot, 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. ^3 

Intending to inform your master of your base behavior. 
1381 I alone perceived that they were hidden there. 

JUVENAL. 

A A^..UA- Exit MON IDES, 

You felt our presence too, no aouDt. upper leftjtasuiy. 

APICIUS. 

I knew. 

JUVENAL. 

We know you knew but how did you find out? 

APiGlUS. 

Oh I found out. 

JUVENAL. 

Oh you found out, 
But tell us now, what sense discovered us to you. 
APICIUS. 
My nose. 

JUVENAL 
1389 Thy nose? 

APICIUS. 
I smelt you, sirs. 

JUVENAL. 

A marvelous nose. 

APICIUS. 

Oh any nose would do for that. I '11 eat the crow, perrigif. 

JUVENAL. 
A thing like this would nearly cure Vespasian's pain. 

PLINY. 

Nay, Juvenal; the sickness now upon him is his last. 

TACITUS. 

1395 I fear he '11 never get beyond the city's walls. 

PLiNY. 

And formmg mobs await his death in murderous expectancy. 



6. Tbc IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

TACITUS. 

A civil war is bursting in its fury over Rome, 
And Lust and Rapine loosen for their horrid work; 
'399 Our lives are menaced and our households stand 
Unbarred against the sweeping throng! 

PLINY. 

The slender thread is not yet snapt, 

And while the pulse of passion running high 

Endangers peace and mocks authority, 

If with persuasive eloquence in opposition we unite, 

The misery of Rome may even yet be stayed. 

JUVENAL. 

1406 I have a graver duty here to keep me for a tiiiie, 

Exeunt FLJNY and TACITUS, Imvcr left. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. ^ 

» 

THe firft folyloqule of Declmus Junius Juvenalys. 

Poor, feathered blackness, limp and stale, 

Thy life is ended, hope and fear are done;^ 

Thy lusty throat no more shall split the air, 

Thy mounting flight shall not again enthraU 

The envious eyes of creeping men. 

And thou wast hatched to point our joke. 

Didst ever in thy bold and careless journeys 

Dream they tended here? 

Didst ever think that from thy fate 

A melancholy moral would be drawn? 

Old crow, you laugh at me; 

I see a gleam of humor in that filmy eye. 

Yea! yea! you 're wiser now than all mankmd, 

For which of us can surely say 

That he '11 outlive his mortal frame, 

Though which of us hath not that hope? 

Old crow, you know; 

But a manful price you ' ve paid to learn. 

The sound of approaching ^''^^^^''t;/^ J'^ji^/S^^^^i ^^«- 
out at the several entrances and seeing escape cui ujj, 
VeLf/Jmseff behind a curtain below middle right. 



66 The IMPERIAL AUTHGRTTY 

« 

Soldiers afiear on the right and left. Enter, uiter left. CASCA. 
NARCISSA and BERENICE, 

CASCA. 

CflnceM yourselves on yonder porch and make no outcry 
Whentbe cruel Caesar's will I seemingly obey. 

NAR-CI-SSA. 

Tell her the sacrifice is but a sham, 

Gone through for safety's sake. 

CASCA. 
14-29 She could not then pretend the terror 

Which the lurking spies of Caesar must report to him. 

BERENICE. 

Strike quickly*, Casca, and withhold the blow 

No longer than it takes to make an opportunity. 

This girl is vibrant with suspicion, 

She will cry aloud to Caesars 's friends when blood is shed. 

Let not the courage of your hand be weakened by compassion. 

CASCA. 

Have a spy placed near, as I have promised her; 

That she may be deceived and hold her tongue; 

If accident should thwart our hopes. 

For accident and nothing else can stay my purpose. 

NARCKSA. 
1440 What should make him wish her death? 

BERENICE. 

Hath it been given yet, to you or me, 
To sound the depths of Cesar's heart? 

Exeunt BERENICE and NARCISSA, middle right. Enter, 
upper left, slaves, carrying fagots. 

CASCA. 

Pile up the fagots here! Away with them. 

The slaves carry away all the couches except one, which remains 
on the left, and pile the fagots up. below the impluviuni, in the 
form of a7i altar. CASCA ignites the centre of the top layer with 
a torch brought by a soldier. Exeunt the slaves. The soldiers 
stand about the entrances in lounging attitudes. CASCA goes 
out, upper left, and returns with iLlVIA. Her dress shows the 
effects of rough usage. 



of TITUS FIAVIUS. 67 

LIVIA. 

1444 Oh Casca ! let me rest again ; I ' m hurt. 

The mobs set on with bloody purposes, 

And twice I fell unconscious, 

Ere the guard o'ertook us there at Pliny's door. 

CASCA. 

Dispose yourselves about! upon your lives let no one pass, 
And hear no sound that comes out from within. 

Exetint the soldiers with precision, at the several entrances. 

LIVIA. 

These soldiers are not palace guards! 

Was it not safer there at Pliny's house? 

Why, did you bring me back? 

CASCA. 

To answer here in Caesar's halls, 

For thy grave crimes against the state. 

LIVIA. 
1^55 Is this my brother? 

CASCA. 

Retribution marks thee for his own; 

The altar is made ready for the sacrifice. 

He slit's off his twiic to the waist a7td crowns himself with ci gar - 
land of oik leaves, taking it from the altar , which is at his left, 
hebeingbeloiv the altar, facing the left. 

Attempt no violent escape , the entrances are filled with guards ; 

Nor scream in terror as thy voice would only echo 

Down these corridors and bring no help. 

Most willingly you came and held not back, 

An omen full of confirmation, 

Clearing doubts away; 

So bow your head for the rite of the salted cake, 

And the frankincense and the sacred wine. 

He holds a cup in his left hand and bread in his right hand. 

LIVIA. 

Oh Casca! you— why brother— oh! 
i^^-j You grip mry heart with fear; 

This altar with this feeding flame, 



^ The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

These implements of sacrifice ! and^a^Zfaf/e. 

Oh brother! brother! brother! 

Let me live! 

147* Oh let me live a little longer! 

Just a day, an hour! 

To kill me now without a moment's warning! 

Thus to plunge me into darkness 

Like a torch blown out at midnight by a gust of wind! 

Oh give me, Casca, yet a little time; 

A murderer was never hastened to his doom 

With such devoted speed. 

CASCA. 

No murderer did e'er deserve thy swift destruction. 
Could an hour avail you aught? 

LIVIA. 

Oh even be it spent within the shadow of eternity, 
There still would be a little of life's sunshine left. 
1484 A thought, a dream, a hope might spring 

That mercy driven from thy heart by superstition, 

Would within that time return. 

Why should I die? 

What injury have I ever wrought. 

To any creature on the earth, much less to thee. 

CASCA. 

The creatures of the earth condemn thee not; 

The gods demand thy death. 

Your foul desertion of the sacred fire of Vesta, 

And your marriage 'gainst their laws have roused their anger, 

And thy life must answer for thy crimes. 

LIVIA. 

A crime, my brother, was 't a crime 

1496 To leave that gloomy, cold, unnatural place? 

The sacred fire! it flickers out a dozen times, 

Where Romans hear of that calamity but once. 

The gods, my brother! 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. ^9 

1500 Art thou still so much the child to bow to them? 

If gods exist, through what protection have I lived so long? 

If gods exist, why call they on a human instrument 

When all the majesty of nature's anger 

Waits upon their least command? 

If gods exist, the confines of perdition hold them 

When their tolerance and favor rest upon the deed of murder! 

Casca, played we not together children? 

Did you love me then? 

Were children ever happier? 

In the midst of our delights they took me to that temple, 

ITilled my mind with terrible forebodings of the fate I 'd meet 

Did I infringe their rules and orders; 

Stifled every pleasure, grimly bound me to their life; 

And thus they consecrated me. 

'515 Oh Casca, thee I dreamed of then, 

And in my heart the only light left was the memory 
Of the pleasures we in lisping years enjoyed. 

I learned the mockery of worship 

And I longed for you to take me out; in vain; 

The years slipped by; in vain! 

Then Titus came and he I loved, 

And he it was who dared 

To take me from this sacred Vesta's temple. 

Did my brother welcome me? 
I found thee stern and cold and unforgiving. 

Casca, search thy soul and know 
Wherein the profit comes before you kill me. 
1528 Casca, is the old love dead? 

CASCA. 

I hoped that when my sister came to die, 
She 'd die with dignity and not in tears. 

LIVIA. 

Thy treachery where loyalty should glory in his strength, 
Thy cowardice and failure make me weep. 



70 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

K Titus knew — - 

CASCA. 

Reproach me not with Titus' name! 
Read! read! in her handwriting, as I warned you, see! 

Li VIA. Without confidence. 

1536 A forgery. 

CASCA. 

A forgery! and this, too, is a forgery. 
And one shall cure the ills inflicted by the other. 

LIVIA. 

You are not reluctant. 

CASCA. 

Knowing thou art guilty, should I be reluctant? 
Here in Caesar's house, upon the scene of Nero's revels, 

Here where Claudius died by poison, 
Where Tiberius and Caligula did glory in debauchery, 
'544 Shall rise a grateful odor to the gods, 

And these fair walls we '11 stain with smoky memories. 

For here where all your crimes have been committed, 

Shall their expiation be. 

LlVlA. brokenly. 

Lift up thy axe and fell me, 

Slash thy knife across my throat, 

And rip my body up. 

Tear out my entrails for thy omens; 

Burn me piece by piece. 
But know thou, Casca Lentullus, 
An omen favorable or a sign auspicious 
^555 Thou shalt not discover in thy search ; 

I am unfitted for thy sacrifice. {?^the^cik)!°oui. 

Now Casca! art thou satisfied the time is not yet come? 

What priest in Rome would dare to offer up a victim 

In the face of such a warning fallen from above? 

This sacred bird, so pierced, 



af TITUS FLAVIUS. 7. 

1561 Portends disaster if this deed be executed now. 

TRAJAN. upper rights within. 

I will not stand!. ... What right have you to bar my way? 
A guard ! a guard ! by whose authority?. . . . 
But I am Trajan, his superior in command. 

Exit CASCA, upper right. JUVENAL reappears. 

JUVENAL. 

The fates are thine again! 

Now hide thee down this passageway 

And come not out until. . . . until 

I strike the jar here, twice. 

LIVIA. 

If Titus calls? 



1570 Not even then ! 

I '11 find the truth about this forgery. 

And if he 's innocent, his arm shall strike the blows; 

Three times if it be he. 

LIViA. 

The hole is deep, it yawns with mystery; 

The steps are narrow, slippery and steep. 

LIVIA descends into the opening behind the stylobate. JUVE- 
NAL extinguishes the fire and lounges against the lower right 
earlier of the altar. CASCA reenters. 

JUVENAL 
Friend Casca, how 's thy health today? 

CASCA. 

How came you here? 

JUVENAL 
I first put this foot first. 
Then this foot first, and so I came. 
1580 A remarkable proceeding was it not? 

I think few men could do the thing as well as I, 
For of my youth it took me seven years to learn. 



V The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

CASGA. 

I think few men can lie as well as thou; 
And that 's a thing you never had to learn. 

JUVENAL. 

That capability is inborn in the human race. 

CASCA. 

You hid behind this curtain, sir! 
^587 What disposition have you made of Livia? 

Speak or die the death I 

JUVENAL. 

Oh my dear boy! I'll speak, of course. Pray, calm yourself; 

I have no wish to die the death, nor live the death. 

Nor have a thing on earth to do with your fine death. 

B}' Jove , I wish that piece of shrouding cloth 

Came not so swiftly from the looms of fate. 

I hid, of course; you asked me howl came, I told you how, 

But when, you did not seem to wish to know. 

CASCA. 
'596 My sister Livia, where — 

JUVENAL. 

Translated. 

CASCA. 

Juvenal, speak the truth! 

JUVENAL. 

Translated, as I live; 

She 's made a member with the supernatural powers above. 

Before my terror stricken eyes I saw a spirit, 

Clothed in white, descend. 

And taking our sweet Livia by the hand; 

360-^ Through the compluvium they soared. 

And quickly vanished in the great blue vault. 

He points i?ito the air and they both look Up, 

CASCA. 

And did the spirit's face seem fierce or mild? 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 73 

JUVENAL 

*T was mild to milkiness on her; on me it fiercely glared. 

CASCA. 

1608 You lie, old reprobate! 

JUVENAL 

And you lack dignity, my virtuous friend. 

CASCA. 

She 's hid about these entrances. 

H^ ' guards, draw in; 

Let not a soul slip by you! 

We will see if thou hast spoke the truth. 

Guards appear at all the entrances. 

JUVENAL 

The sole and only mistress of my tongue is lovely truth. 

CASCA. 

Here come two women, they may throw some light 
i6i6 Upon these mysteries . Withdraw ! f f^r/« 2- &■ 

JUVENAL 

Investigate to suit yourself; 
I '11 not remain to hear my word impugned. 

Exit JUVENAL, lower right. Enter BERENICE, middle right, 
followed by NARCISSA. 

BERENICE. To CASCA. 

Translated! yea, translated! 

Foolish boy, she 's in some passage! 

You are standing o'er a stairway now. 

Narcissa thinks you went too far. 

CASCA. 

You overheard? 

NARCISSA. 

Quite plainly, 
1625 But you put her far too much in terror. 

CASCA. 

It was necessary; saw you not the spy? 



He moves. 



7i The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

BERENICE. 

You fooled him well. 

NARCISSA. 

She still believes you were in earnest. 

CASCA. 

You must go to her at once, induce her to come out; 

I 'U hide her safely, till the danger's past; 

For I 've done all that C^sar can demand; 

As such an omen would delay the mightiest enterprise. 

NARCISSA. 

*°33 I '11 lose myself and never find her. 

BERENICE. 

I will be your guide and when she 's found 
My presence you need not betray; 
She fears me — 

NARCISSA. 

So do I. You play with us. 
Explain why you should have a good design, 
And not an evil one. 

BERENICE. 

To gain your lover's friendship, then, 

When he in favor basks again, 

And Titus hath been cured of his delusion, 

I will have an ally in my plea for pension. 

I am growing old; my lengthening days 

Require provision and support; 

Of Caesar I have asked a mounta: i 

*^47 That I may be favored with a hill. 

' NARCISSA. 
If this proves not the truth, I 'U ask you why. 

£xi^ NAUCISSA, middle right. 

BERENICE. 
With Livia, your cowardice and failure make me weep; 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 75 

Hath not the time for action come? 
Be careful, Casca; here your danger lies; 

Her heart is like a curdling milk 
And sourly will she serve you in the end. 

Exit BERENICE, middle right. Enter VARRO. lower left, with 
DEMETRIUS, GALL US and GRACCUS. 

VARRO. 

The chief conspirators. 

CASCA. 
'^55 The fortunes of the hour 

Have placed your lives in Caesar's hands, 

And painful shall you find his grasp. 

The fate of Aulus, dead in yonder hall, 

By Titus' order, but by my design, 

For he had falsely promised your allegiance to me, 

Must show you where you stand; 

Without a hope--unless 

You favor my ambition for imperial authority. 

DEMETRIUS. 

We will consider it. r/uy converse a fan. 

GRACCUS. 

What need of this? 

CALLUS. 

1666 What better fortune could we wish, 

He 's wealthy, young and popular, 

The multitude will split their throats 

When he's declared. 

DEMETRIUS. 

He may be seeking thus a further proof of guilt; 
He may be fait]:ful yet to Flavian rule. 

CALLUS. 
We '11 take an oath. 

GRACCUS. 

1673 An oath is needless if he 's bent upon deceit, 



76 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

And needless if we serve a common cause. 

DEMETRIUS. 

This brief consideration 's all that we require 
1676 To place our forces and our lives at your command. 
The hour is full, we should not tarry if we'd reap its fruits. 

CASCA. 

Then each to his plotted work, 

To meet at the foot of the hill, 

Where I have sent my kinsmen and my friends. 

DEMETRIUS. 

A signal when to act should be agreed upon. 

CASCA. 

This ringing vase. I '11 strike it twice to bring you up; 
Three quick and heavy blows should Titus be destroyed. 
1684 Then loose the rabble on the Flavians' friends. 
And ere the sun is set another dynasty shall rule in Rome. 

Exeunt DEMETRIUS, GALLUS and GRACCUS. loiver left; 
VARRO, middle left, and CASCA, ufPer left. DOMITIAN looks 
in, middle right. He enters, follo;ved hy KLABO and other slaves 
carrvinp- immense bundles of manuscripts, ivhicli seem iveighty. 
Other staves with manuscripts enter and cross from time to time. 

DOMITIAN. 

Come; Klabo, come! we have no time to waste. 

I fear some rude conspirator will seize our manuscripts. 

We '11 rest ourselves in distant safety till the storm is past, 

When like an eagle to its prey 

We'll sweep down on the upstart head 

That arrogantly takes our father's crown. 

169 J It makes me laugh to see men storm at Fate, 

To see their frantic efforts to attract her predetermined eye; 

The fools, they would compel the hour, 

But wise men, we will wait. 

A quantity of gold spills from one of the manuscripts. 

Thou careless dog, these manuscripts 
Are not to be so violently thrown about ! 

The gold is recovered. Exeutit all. lower left. 
TRAJAN. IViihin. 

Oh Casca! Casca Lentullus! 



(rf TITUS FLAVIUS. 



77 



Enter TITUS and GAUDBNTIUS, lower rigM^ disffwtsed as 
old men. Enter TRAJAN and JUVENAL, upper right. 

JUVENAL. 
Good friends, have you seen Casca Lentirilos about? 

TRAJAN. 

1700 Oh Juvenal, that such an upright man, 

From noble parents sprung", 

Should thus forget his loyalty, 

His reputation, honor, prospects, all. 

To sink to plots and subterfuges 

Worthy of an outcast or a slave ! 

JUVENAL 
With more than your reluctance, Trajan, 
Was I made acquainted with his perfidy. 

TITUS. 

You speak of Casca Lentullus? 

JUVENAL. 

Can this be Titus? 

TRAJAN. 

1710 Wearing a plebian's gown. 

TITUS. 

Friends it is I. 

JUVENAL. 

Is Caesar come to this? 
Doth he discard his dignity so lightly. 

TRAJAN. 

Had his friends been called upon and shirked the duty, 
Then he might have reason thus to masquerade. 

TITUS. 

It doth become you little to reproach a man, 
1717 Distract by his intolerable anxiety. 

JUVENAL. 

Doth it become a Roman, 



78 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

Thus to lose his judgement in a sea of grief? 

TITUS. 

A sea of doubt but not of grief. 
You spoke of Casca Lentullus?. . . . 
Is't honorable in you to know an enemy of mine, 
1723 And then refuse his name? 

TRAJAN. 

I do not think he is an enemy of yours. 

TITUS. 

You spoke of Casca. Is it he? 

JUVENAL. 

It is, unless— 

TITUS. 

Unless ! 

JUVENAL 

You signed this tablet knowingly. 

flTUS. 

I signed a tablet but I trusted him and did not read it. 
Are you sure? 

JUVENAL 

The boy is maddened by ambition, see— 

TITUS. 

No! No! I will not read it! 

JUVENAL 

You must not destroy him now. 

TITUS. 

Destroy fiim now! I could embrace him, 

1735 I could shake him thus for joy ! He shakes ju venal. 

Destroy the youth! Would you destroy 

The giver of all happiness? 

Oh, like a father's to the erring prodigal, 

My heart goes out to him I 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 



79 



No name in Rome could fall more sweetly on my ears 
To be thus coupled with an accusation. 
Anger would have kindled in my breast 
Had any other man presumed so much, 

And in my strength I would have smote him down, 
1745 But Casca! Casca! glorious traitor! 

Thou hast paid for all thy deeds with this defection. 
No! No! I will not read it! 

I must find my wife! Gaudentius, come, come, cornel 
By no good fortune has she gotten back? 

j U V JLIS AL. jjg straightens his shoulders. 

She has returned. He avoids titus' grast. 

TITUS. 

Where is she now? 

JUVENAL points to the jar, into which TITUS thrusts his arm^ 
whereupon JUVENAL, by agesttire, has him strike it three blows 
with the flat of his sword. LIVJA enters froin behind the stylo- 
bate. She hesitates but recognizes TITUS in his disguise and 
they embrace. Cries are heard itt the distance. ExitjUVENAL. 
upper right and TRAJAN, upper left. Theories continueydraw- 
ing nearer. They reenter. 

JUVENAL 

Ah Titus, save your love thoughts for a timelier hour; 
A threatening mob is loose and soldiers make up part of it. 

TRAJAN. 

1754 Bestow your wife here in the passageway again, 
Resume your habit and come forth; 
Your father's throne is shaken on its eminence. 

TITUS. 

My friends exaggerate the danger. 

Hath the shallow sounds of idle boys. 

The power to fill your hearts with dread? 

TRAJAN. 

These sounds are deep, they come from desperate men, 

For all the traitors down on Aulus' list 

Are now allied with Casca. 

When they find you in plebian garb, 

1764 Unarmed and unaccompanied, 



So Tkc IMPERIAL AUTHaRTTY 

You will answer for your folly with your life. 

TITUS. 

Then out among the crowds with legionaries, Trajan I 

Use what measures seem expedient 

Against the threatening hour. 

You, Juvenal, with Tacitus and Pliny too, 

1770 I ask your eloquence in smoothing down 

The ruffling temper of the streets. 

Exit TRAJAN, upper left. 

LIVIA. 

'Tis safe for me within the hole? 

JUVENAL 

And come not out till Danger flaps 
Her ominous wings in other skies. 

Exit LIVIA, after embracing TITUS. 

And Titus, should you fall into the hands of hostile guards, 

On no account make known your name 
1777 For it will surely prove the warrant of your death. 

Exit JUVENALJower right. Enter BERENICE, middleright. 

TITUS. 

The cries are growing bolder, 
Make yourself secure within the stone. 
GAUDENTIUS. 
When you are safe. 

TITUS. 

My safety, what is that to thee? 

GAUDENTIUS. 

Art thou not Caesar, owe I not allegiance to the lord of Rome? 

TITUS. 

You did not always show this loyalt}', 

GAUDENTIUS. 
vfi\ I served a higher master, and 

I did not know you as I know you now. 

In this brief time, amid the shock of circumstance, 

The noble metal of your character rings true and strong; 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. * 

In serving you I serve the King of Kings 

As best he may be served by me; 

And if this prove thy hour of need, 

,/r ! ^1- • ^t,' Enter VARRO, on the 

My strength is tnme. right, wwi soldiers. 

VARRO. 

Detain the two old men; forbid the mob! 

Enter SEX T US. on the left, with soldiers. 

With me you are for Casca? 

SEXTUS. 

1794 I wiU serve him weU. Aside. I 'U serve him well. 

VARRO. 

What enemies of his have you brought in? 

SEXTUS. 

I've caught Gauden tins' wife and with her some young babe. 

TITUS. ToGAUDENTIUS. 

Your wife took Livia's child? . He assents. 

VARRO. 

Where found you them? 

SEXTUS. 

In Pliny's house. 

VARRO. 

1800 In Pliny's housel Why entering his door 

I found the Empress Livia herself. 

Oh Pliny hath his polished way with womankind; 

I '11 warrant he '11 not be forgot when times are good again. 

TJTUS'jealousv is roused again. GA UDENTIUS has been taken 
to the left. BERENICE comes forward. 

BERENICE. 

Nor even yet while times are bad will precious Pliny be forgot. 

Stay Varro, with your men stand off a little while. 

Proud Caesar, now the scale 

Of Justice tilts against your tyranny, 

A moment since I stood a suppliant; 

You turned your shoulder to my tears; 

i8io But now your life hangs on my word 



& Tkc IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

And when I call the soldiers back, 
They '11 lead you off to death. 

TITUS. 

Then call them back. 

BERENICE. 

Still scornful, still as proud as in thy might. 

And so I 'd have the man I love, 
For I have never ceased to love thee, Titus, 
Never thought of any other— 

TITUS. 

»8i8 Well! well! 

BERENICE. 

I have grim news, oh Titus ! 

Grim, knee shaking news for thee; 

Thy friends have all gone o'er to Casca's side, 

And he, by acclamation, now is emperor, succeeding you. 

His deep designs include your death 

And Livia's sacrifice; and Numa's death, 

When he finds out you have an heir. 

Both I and Livia's friend Narcissa, 

We have helped him in his schemes 

1828 And now we have you in our power. 

TITUS. 

I still have friends, and strength. 

BERENICE. 

But not to rescue thee from Casca's toils. 

The palace fills with partisans of his; 

This wife, though she escape him once, 

Will now be offered up a sacrifice, 

While on a spear your head 

With set and glassy eyes will bob alike, 

To friends once faithful and to foes victorious. 

18^7 I love you still, let me prove traitor to his cause, 

And you wiH be Augustus ; 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 83 

Promise me that you will love me as of old,, 

And I will get you through his lines 

And lay a dagger in his sides to silence him* 

But I must have your love. 

Deliver up this faithless wife; 

The child you may retain. 
I offer you my love and Rome. 

TITUS. 

The soldiers. 

BERENICE. 

V arrO 1 ^ advances. 

TITUS. 

Soldiers, take me where you will, 
This woman here is done with me. 

SEXTUShas MARTHA brought in, at the left. She is carrying 
NUMA. 

BERENICE. 
1850 To death with him ! And send that woman, too. 

Exeunt VARRO, TITUS, GAUDENTIUS and certain of the 
soldiers, u-pfer left. 

SEXTUS. 
Though Varro takes thy orders, thrust them not on me. 

BERENICE. 

Delay my pleasure at your peril, sir! 

Exeunt, lower left, all except BERENICE. She knocks on the floor 
near the stylobate and conceals herse'lf on the left. NARCISS'A 
andLIVIA enter from behind the stylobate. The cries continiie. 

MVIA. 

The cries ! the cries ! They battle in the street ! 
The mob will sweep the palace for they win the day. 

NARGISSA. 

^855 No! no! this is not war; 'tis but a tumult 

Titus hath himself stirred up. 
To justify his monstrous judgement 'gainst yourself. 

LiVM. 

Why should my husband have to justify himsetf for any deed? 



<k Tkc IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

NARCISSA. 
You questioned him when he would bring the Jewess back. 

LIVIA. 

Ah that 's a plot of Casca's, Titus sent her off. 

NARCISSA. 

Perhaps he did. Entrust yourself to Casca, 
Dread your husband till the doubt is cleared away. 

LIVIA. 

Go bring my husband, and my brother, too, 
1864 By seeing them together I may learn the truth. 

Exi^ NARCISSA, middle right. 

The cries! the cries! Oh where is Numa in this turmoil? 

Is he safe, or even yet alive? 

Oh have I merited these charging woes? 

Oh Nil mn ' "Mn m a I ^"^'^*' MARTHA, ivith NUMA. 
\JQ. IN Uma . IN umd 1 lower left, followed by SEX T US. 

Martha! he 's asleep! asleep, oh gentle softness. 
Rest, my Numa, rest and dream of love and happiness. 

Oh exquisite, most marvelous little being, fuihud. 
Mine! mine, mine again to love! 
You 've brought him safely back. 

MARTHA. 

But not to safety; I am taken by the soldiers. 

Brought against my will. %¥cF^ovT'f^r^^afd. 

LIVIA. 
1876 Centurion Sextus brought you back? 

I ' ve heard my husband speak of thee 
In terms of highest praise; I thank thee much. 

BERENICE. 

You thank too soon for Sextus serves on Casca's side. 

LIVIA. 

On Casca's side? 

BERENICE. 

I do not gloss my hatred 



i888 



of TITUS FLAV1U& % 

With the loathsome pigments of hypocrisy; 

From me you '11 have the biting truth: 

Your brother covets the imperial purple, 

He commands the hostile troops and rouses up the mob; 

He thinks the gods w^ill favor him if you are sacrificed, 

And craftily he plotted to that end 

While Titus still was powerful; 

And though his courage failed, 

His purpose still for satisfaction calls. 

Your husband's love is always yours. 

LIVIA. 

I thank thee, woman, much for that. 

BERENICE. 

Again, you thank too soon, 

For though he still is true, his power is gone, 

And Casca's warrant for his death is given out. 

LlVIA questions, and SEX T US and M AETNA assent. 

LIVIA. 

Oh Sextus, you the valiant soldier. 

Stand unharmed and he goes out to death ! 

The meshes of adversity, they sift our friends and few we hold. 

BERENICE. 

And fortunate you are, if tangling in the stinging threads, 

'9°° Your life is not cut through. 

When Casca comes again, 

A victim to his superstitious rage you fall; 

I hate you but I still have pity; 

Go to him, resign your life, to save your son. 

For if you do the boy shall safely grow in Martha's care; 

Delay and take his life , 

As you do murder those despairing wretches in the streets, 

By hiding here. 

LIVIA. 

The cries ! the cries ! 
1910 Oh fearful hour that makes my happiness 



86 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

The instrument of death; 

That drives me to the final brink, 

Amid the mortal sounds of battle's violence! 

Have mercy, oh you dreadful arbiters! 

Numa! Numa! guard him well, 

1916 And from the other shore I '11 intercede for you. 

She is about to go out, upper lefty when CASCA enters, lower right, 
accompanied oy soldiers. 

CASCA. 

Wait! wait! thou 'rt caught at last! 

BERENICE. 

We have persuaded her that it is best 
To give herself to thee. 

CASCA, 

Most timely hath she been persuaded, 
When the last escape is closed. 

BERENICE. 

1922 Your star is rising, Casca; you '11 remember me? 

CASCA. 

My gratitude shall be proportioned to your own deserts. 

BERENICE. 

Then know that Titus is your prisoner; 

That Varro just now led him off, 

Gaudentius is the other; both are in disguise. 

This information clears your way of every obstacle. 

CASCA. 

Have Varro bring his prisoners back. 

BERENICE so directs and two soldiers go out, upper left. 

Withdraw! forbid the entrance here of any one; 
1930 Heed not what passes in this hall! 

Exeunt all except CASCA and LI VI A: BERENICE and MAR- 
THA going out upper right. CASCA repletiishes the ihwulder- 
ire which has been growing from the embers left Sy fUVE- 



LIVIA. 

I see into the depths of thy remorseless heart; 
I know the full design of thy far reaching perfidy; 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. s; 

^933' But happSy I know that Casca's hand 

And Casca's superstition murder me, 

And not my husband's. Fate, 

Through some mischance, hath given thee the poVei: 

To put in execution thy fell purposes; 

But Casca, now I warn thee, 

Stay the course of thy unbridled passion, 

Lest upon the summit of thy greatness and thy miglit. 

The force of thy tempestuous rise, 

Shall fling thee o'er the peak. 
Into the stony lap of waiting death. 

CASCA. 

The altar is made ready. 

LIVIA. 

Sf -r i V ew I A cry cot7ies from 
LI inc. the infant^ within. 

CASCA. 

1946 Return ! return ! The several persons reenter , 

What noise was that? 

SEXTUS. 

We do not know. 

The infant, in MARTHA'S arms, cries a- 
gain. HYPOKRATES enters., lower right. 

CASCA. 

Whose child is this? You will not tell? to the women. 
Hypokrates , whose child is this? 

HYPOKRATES. 

My art is so bound up in divination of momentous deeds 

That I have time for no such trifles, sire, as this; 

I paint huge pictures, not small signs. 

CASCA. 

But If this child is proven Livia's, will the gods be pleased 
^955 To have me offer it and spare its mother? 

HYPOKRATES takes two doves from his breast. 

HYPOKRATES. 

Sire, the omens are most favorable to this procedure. 



88 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

Offer up the infant, then await a further portent 

For the mother's disposition, which I think will be, 

The way to please the gods the best of all. 

BERENICE moves away. 

Stay Berenice, tell me one thing more, whose child is this? 

BERENICE. 

I 'm done! Unfortunate hour that claimed the noble Aulusl 
Opportunity a second time, intrudes upon thy dreams; 
1963 Unwelcome visitor! unready host! 

Irresolution, thou art doomed to failure ! 
Heavily the gates of Rome shall close upon me , 

Wearisome the journey hence. outffowlrftfhf. 

CASCA. 

Whose child is this? You will not tell? 

He fakes the infant from MARTHA and at his motion 
a soldier is about to plunge a knife through her hand: 

LIVIA. 

The child is mine. 

MARTHA. 

She seeks to shield me from your anger, 
I '11 admit the child is mine. 

LIVIA. 

The child is truly mine. 

CASCA. 

The thing is well supplied with mothers now. 

1973 I must find out whose child it is. ^otake^. 

Your wagging tongues may lie but on my honor 

Here is testimony not to be denied. 

With a sudden motion he tears open 
LIVIA" S dress: striking her bosom. 

This withered hag, let her be crucified for her deceit. 

Give me this mooted babe! ffenLYdlngV. 

Hypokrates, we'll offer up this infant in the public view, 

And then the woman, thus to finally appease 

The great displeasure of the gods. 

Let her be crucified ! 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 'h 

LIVIA. 

1982 How fearful is this penalty! 

How slight the provocation ! 
Casca, wait, consider— 

CASCA. 

Let the woman die! 

LIVIA. 

Oh pitiless and wanton arbiter! 
What ruin shall appal thee? 
What extremity of desolation shall appease thy appetite? 
What punishment can Fate apportion to thy infamy? 

MARTHA. 

1990 God's will is manifest in every word and deed, 

In nature's every act; would you implore the flood, 

Or bear resentment 'gainst the shrivelling flame? 

His hidden purposes they mutely serve ; 

His wiU is not opposed by thy command. 

My life is freely His . 

£xtt MARTHA in custody, upper left. 

LIVIA. 

Casca! Casca! Casca! give me back the boy. 
Oh spare his Innocence and I will build the altar up again, 
I '11 fan the flame and plead with you to hurry through the rites; 
1999 I '11 turn the knife upon myself, 

And as you search me for the omens, 

I will beg the gods to bless you with their favors. 

Casca! let me kiss him once, once more, my little Numa! 

The soldiers hold LIVIA. Exit CASCA, lower right, wit It the in- 
fant; HYPOK RATES and some of the soldiers following. The 
soldiers remaining arrange themselves about the several entrances . 

Oh Numa! Numa! Numa! Zfs%frright: 

Narcissa! 

NARCISSA, 

Kill me Li via! end lemorse! 
Oh let me feel that I have answered 
2007 For the sorrows I have heaped upon you, love. 



90 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

LIVIA. 

Are you to blame? 

NARCISSA. 

I have betrayed you, 
Brought you from the safe recesses of the passageways. 

LIVIA. 
20II They 've taken Numa for a sacrifice. 

NARCISSA. 

He 's gone to lift the child upon a spear, 

To show the mob how he 's appeased the gods. 

I thought when I persuaded you, it was for safety's sake, 

For Casca made most honied promises , 

And swore with many an oath that his anxiety for you 

Was caused by love and hope of safety for you both. 

Give me the knife! 

And let me drown remorse 

With blood in retribution shed! 

Oh let me teach this monster how 

20ia To follow in the paths of treachery! 

Oh let me teach him how revenge 

Is fathered by injustice. 

How destruction from destruction gathers power, 

How deceit brings forth deceit. 

And desolation answers desolation's call. 

Exit NARCISSA, lower right. Enter, xtpter left, VARRO and 
soldiers, with TITUS and GAUDENTIUS. LIVIA, before 
the impluvium, is weeping; 

GAUDENTIUS. 

Take comfort; Martha saw us as she passed, 
2029 And she goes bravely to her great reward. 

' Enter SEXTUS and two soldiers, lower right. 

VARRO. 

Who knows the emperor's commands? 

SEXTUS. 

The emperor ddffeets 
That one of these your prisoners be executed, 
While the other one goes free; the woman. 



of TITUS FLAVIU& 



9' 



She shall be delivered to the populace, 
2035 And burned for their amusement. 

Titus is the prisoner to die, Gaudentius is to live. 
The emperor directs that you acknov^ledge his command. 

VARRO. 

Is one of them the Flavian prince? 
Go Quintus, tell the emperor I have his v^ish, 

And it shall be my deed. ^Jtwerrfghl. 

But these are bearded men. 

SEXTUS. 

Oh that need not delay the execution of the guilty one. 

He pulls off their beards. 

VARRO. 

But which is Titus? 

SEXTUS. 

2^44 You should knov^. 

VARRO. 

I don't see how? Gaudentius' name I never heard before, 
And I am newly come to Rome. 

SEXTUS. 

But you and I have fought in Titus' ranks, 

And we should know our old commander's face. 

Methinks that this is Titus. 

VARRO. 

No! no, this is he! 

SEXTUS. 

You are mistaken. 
This is Titus; know I not that brow? 

SEXTUS and TITUS are on the left. SEXTUS 
purposely contends that GA UDENTIUS is TITUS. 

VARRO. 

2053 And know I not these heavy jaws? 

SEXTUS. 

You but a moment since declared you could not tell. 



92 



The IMPERIAL AUTHCaUTY 



VARRO. 

But that 's too old a man. 

SEXTUS. 

Nay, Titus, sir, is thirty nine. 

VARRO. 

tet's kill them both and thus make sure. 

SEXTUS. 

Make sure we would of execution for ourselves. 

Gaudentius is the architect, he builds the Colosseum, yonder; 

Casca would make little bits of us if we harmed him. 

VARRO. 

We might delay until- -- 

SEXTUS. 
2063 His orders were explicit; 

When he spoke he struck his hand. 

VARRO. 

Stay! Livia is Titus' wife, and she shall tell us. 

Woman! Guards, make ready! 

Woman, you will now go forth to death; 

So kiss your husband, say farewell, 

And waste no time in tears. 

LIVIA. 

I thank you. Titus. 

He turns front her. 
J. itUS. He pushes her away. 

Titus, in the hour of death 

You turn away, you push me off. 

Tear out the very tendrils of affection, 

Let me fall to wither and consume. 

To vanish like a broken vine upon the flame. 

^076 Oh Titus, have I lost your love? 

The soldiers take htr out, upper right. TITUS turns, after she ii 
gone. J U VENAL enters, middle right, and stands, in specula- 
tion. The soldiers gather near the centre. 



TlfUS. 

I am ready, sirs, to die. 



of TITUS FLAV1U& 



93 



GAUDENTIUS. 

Nay, I am Titus; I will not allow 
This man to sacrifice himself when I care naught for life. 

VARRO. 
2080 The woman told us, as I thought she 'd do. 

SEXTUS. 

Oh simple Varro, she had heard our argument; she kissed the 
man who's not her husband, so, to now outwit her, we must 
kill the other one. 

VARRO. 

Oh simple Sextus, thinking to outwit a woman's wit! She 
knew we'd say that we must kill the other one, and so she 
kissed her husband, knowing that we would destroy the 
other one; and therefore we must kill the one she kissed. 

SEXTUS. 

Oh much more simple Varro, she did know that after we had 
said : ' 'She kissed the man who 's not her husband, " we 'd 
reflect that she had truly kissed her husband, thus to put 
us off the trail. She knew we then would see her subtlety, 
and so to get the better of us when we had, she kissed the 
one who's not her husband; now, to f nally come out ahead, 
it doth behoove us to despatch the other one. 

VARRO. 

Oh Sextus! Sextus! see you not that she knew we would know 
all this, and knowing we would know that she knew we 
would know, she knew we'd know.... Sextus, which of us 
can be the greater fool? 

SEXTUS. 

^099 Undoubtedly yourself. 

VARRO. 

Nay! nay! she kissed her husband, since she knows she is to 
live. With Titus dead, her path to Pliny's house will be 
much straiter than it is just now. 



94 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

SEXTUS. 

Ah Varro, knowing we knew this, she kissed Gaudentius, 
thinking we would think that if she kissed her husband 
truly, we would think her subtle, and awkwardly destroy 
her husband's counterpart. It doth behoove us much to 
let our wishes flow with hers and kill the other man. 

VARRO. 

Ah ha! I have thee Sextus, now! A moment since you said she 
wished her husband spared, and therefore did just what 
she did; and now you say in wishing Titus dead, she did 
just what she did; which latter thing is just exactly what 
she did in scheming for his preservation. How then can 
you say that she would act the same, from reasons so op- 
posed. 

SEXTUS. 

Ah ha! I have thee Sextus, now! Why you yourself at first de- 
clared she kissed her husband to deceive us, then you said 
she kissed him so that we would not be fooled and now you 
turn on me with triumph in your eye for saying she would 
act the same from different motives when your own asser- 
tions of equivalent effect are scarcely cold upon your lips. 

VARRO. 

2>iJ I give a woman up. 

SEXTUS. 

There 's nothing else for any man to do. 

VAHHO. 
We have not carried out his orders yet. 

SEXTUS. 

We '11 toss a coin and let the fates decide. 

VARRO. 
I hear you talk. 

SEXTUS. 

If heads, this man is Titus, 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 95 

212-j Tails, and this man here is not friend Titus. 

He first points to GAUDBNTIUS. then to 
TITUS. VARROdoes not notice the quibble. 

Heads! So this is Titus! 

VARRO. 

Destiny hath shortened thy allotted span, 
But happily for thee her call comes not before thy readiness. 

At his motion the soldiers sraf her about GAUDEN- 
TIUS and presently leave him dead upon the couch. 

Let us announce the news that Casca now 
Holds undisputed sway, that all the Flavians are dead. 

Exeunt VARRO and soldiers, upper right. 

SEXTUS. 

Ah Titus 1 Ilis courage ebbs. 

TITUS. 

Thou art now a Roman general. 

SEXTUS. 
3135 If Casca wins? 

TITUS. 

No! Sextus, n o ! That shall he never do! 

Give me your armor and your sword, 

And tremble not, that failure was at hand; 

The gods did put you here to meet this danger, 

Knowing you alone could face the peril of the hour. 

But Sextus, there are legions full of younger brothers 

To yourself, beyond the gates of Rome, and in Rome, too, 

And we shall show this boy how wars are waged, 

And battles won and lost ! 

Go down into the streets and guide the cohorts of my friends; 

For Trajan now must have the city guard well on the way. 

With this brave armor buckled on, each finger feels a legion; 

Single handed I could meet a company, 

And with ten such men as Sextus 

2150 I could overcome an army 

Of the traitors Casca leads ! 

Exeunt TITUS and SEXTUS, upper right and upper 
left. JU VENAL approaches thebociy of GA UDENTlUS. 



96 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



Good friend of Rome, thou too, hast paid 

The final penalty; thy life hath answered 

To the stem demands of circumstance; 

Levelled by the great equation down with 

Xero's dust and these fast stiffening wings, 

No better now, no worse than they; 

Three grains of sand upon the fearful stretches 

Of eternity. Oh worthy man, who stood a hero but 

A moment gone, who lies neglected now fore verm ore, 

Could those dull eyes flash forth a fire. 

Could those set lips give out a cry. 

My friend, what wouldst thou say? 

Wouldst thou not rue the impulse 

Which hath brought thee down? 

The foolish thought that sacrifice 

Had knocked upon thy door? 

The foolish dream that men would care? 

The world heeds not, nor hath a feeling left. 

For those who fall. It holds no helping hand 

Out to the swimmer spent, it lifts 

No crushing burden from the sinking back, nor speeds 

The feeble youth uj>on his unaccustomed way. 

It eats your soul and roughly throws the husk aside. 

It knows not you have lived and cares not you have died. 

A turmoil; hateful, noisy; 

Flies a buzzing in their busy orbits, 

Ceasing not, insensate, merciless. 

Oh costly dead, these fretful miseries thou hast 

Left behind; I see thee on a splendid summit. 

Far above the trivial doings of the multitude. 

The meaningless and vapid circles of the senseless crowd. 

JUVESAL has thrown a robe over the body. A noise, tsitkin. it 
increasing. Exit JUVENAL, lovcer right. Enter a mab. with 
LJ VIA. upper Uft, followed by VARROand a ferw idU toldUrs. 



of TITUS FLA\TLS. ^ 



Here! bere! "sre 1- - - ~ ' '-:' ''- 
TfeSICOM 'lZr:.\X. 



{jij»MKg\ 



i^MOder^ 



■yBEt 



^t 






2^- 



Tfe 






T4>:iT*- 



.v^ Tsn^' 



98 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

The THIRD PLEBIAN. 

To hell she shall be sent, 

And in the smoke she '11 choke; 

And choke! and choke! and choke! 

The FIRST PLEBIAN. 

She killed her babe, her own.. 

The SECOND PLEBIAN. 

And broke her sacred oath; 
So let her moan and moan. 

The THIRD PLEBIAN. 

She'll answer now for both! 

The torch ! the torch ! the torch! 

^212 Oh let her scorch and scorch, 

And cry aloud and groan. 

And groan ! and groan ! and groan ! 

Enter TITUS, upper left. 

TITUS. 

Away! away! away! ye fools and madmen! 

Stand, yea stand, and meet 

The fierce displeasure of the emperor! 

Vespasian lives and Titus was not slain; 

Here from the portico you see them sweeping up the hill. 

The upstart Casca, like a dog, lies dying in the sun. 

Away! away! to meet and honor their return! 

The mob goes out, upper left. 

LIVIA. 
223a Oh let us seek the shelter of our friends. 

TITUS. 

Doth safety lie in Pliny's house? 

LIVIA. 

Tfear the mob's return. 

TITUS. 

Unfaithful woman, well you may, 

For when it comes again, 

It comes in anger to destroy us both; 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 



99 



^228 And welcome shall its fury be. 

Enter NARCISSA, middle rigke. 

NARCISSA. 

Why stay you here? The mob comes back! 

The trick was worthy of a fruitful mind and well it v/orlced; 

But now you idly stand and let these moments, 

Gifted with long- years slip by! 

Think you no more of life, nor of revenge? 

For Casca hath accomplished his design, 

And on a spear I saw the infant borne. 

TITUS. 

My son hath been discovered? 

NARCISSA. 

Yea, and murdered! 

TITUS. 

Woman! could you not have spared the boy? 
Was 't not enough to plot against the peace of Rome? 
22-40 Against my father's life? Against my honor? 
Was it not enough to leave thy husband's house? 

NARCISSA. 

Stop! stop! a monster, thou, 
To hold suspicion up to her. 
To virtue's last embodiment. 

TITUS. 

Her last indeed, for with this failure, 
Virtue's inconceivable attempt to form a woman 
With her own perfections, in despair is given up. 

LIVIA. 

Oh Titus, thus you hold me in your high regard. 
And thus you cast reproach when I am guiltless, love. 

NARCISSA. 
2250 Escape! escape! the mob returns! 

I see the distant dust of friendly hoofs, 
A moment's safety and the danger's past! 
LsfC. 



ooThc IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

TITUS. 

You see the distant dust of friendly hoofs indeed, 

For swiftly do they fly from Rome. 

The day is lost, my love is bitten and my courage gone; 

The growing noises of the vengeful mob, 

Fall sweetly on my ears; 

Thf^V nrnmkp mnrVi Enter SEXTUS, VARRO 

X. ney promise mUCn. ana the mob, on the left. 

Tte FIRST PLEBIAN. 
^259 He 's here upon the spot ! 

They bind TITUS to the lower ri'j^ht impluvium 
tost. SEXTUS forces TITUS' helmet down over 
his face, thus concealing' his identity from tiie n.^b. 

The SECOND PLEBIAN. 

The lying knave, I think 

We '11 send him on a trot— 

The THIRD PLEBIAN. 

With her to hell to stink, 

And writhe and curse, so haste, 

And give them here a taste, 

Of fire, and smoke that 's hot! 

That's hot! that's hot! that's hot! 

Enter CASCA, accompanied by soldiers, lozcer rijh.'. 

VARRO. 

Most august emperor, give us leave 
To burn these two together, here. 

CASCA. 

We'll watch the sport ourselves. 

NARCISSA. 
22']o Oh Casca, are the gods not satisfied? 

A noise of distant hoofbeats, within. 

VARRO. 

What noise is that? 

CASCA. 

The thunder rolls, proceed! 
The rain will quench your fire. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 

VARRO. 

Pile up the wood and bring a torclil 

NARCISSA. 

^2275 You promised me. 

VARRO. 

Methinks I hear that noise again. 

Enter JUVENAL, upper right. 

JUVENAL. 

And so you do! 

Ten cohorts of the faithful horse, 

Come coursing down the Appian way! 

Now Casca, call thy traitors to thy aid, 

For in this hour you face destruction and defeat. 

The loyal troops are sweeping home! He waves his robe. 

CASCA. 

Bring up the legions, let the first three turn the flank, 
:i28^ And trap this group of horsemen in the street. 

Exeunt several soldier i 

JUVENAL 

Oh Casca, bid your men desist! Rush not to death, 
But make your peace with Titus while you can. 

CASCA. 

Old dotard, you endanger life, with such advice. 

JUVENAL. 

Think not to frighten me, young Casca; 

Know that Stoics such as I, 

Fear not the gods themselves, much less the puny man. 

Who hath no stronger threat to make than merely death. 

TRAJAN enters, upper right, followed by many soldiers. 

TRAJAN. 

Stand! Casca Lentullus; 
In Caesar's name I take thee into custody; 
2294 Release his wife and offer no resistance, 

At the peril of thy life. 



i^!?s 



I02 



The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



CAS€A. 

And have you warrant, Trajan, to arrest a legion? 

TRAJAN. 

Ten of them, if they have proved themselves 

Unworthy of the honor Rome bestows upon their heads, 

In making them her warriors. 

CASCA. 

2300 You say you have authority from Titus? 

TRAJAN. 

Aye, and from Vespasian, too. 

CASCA. 

Then is your warrant void; 

For I, by right of arms, am now become 

Secundus Casca Lentullus Augustus, Emperor of Rome, 

And all commands and orders relative to Rome, 

And to the government of all the world. 

Must eminate from me, and no one else. 

Send back your men from Rome, 

2309 The proclamation hath been made, 

That Casca now is emperor; 

For Titus Flavins lies 

In yonder sand pit, dead. 

SEXTUS. 

Wait! Casca! wait! what man is this. 
If he be not the noble Titus Flavins, sirs? 

SEXTUSdisclosesTJTUS' face. They fallback. A silence ensues. 

TRAJAN. 

How have you dared this ignominious usage? 

VARRO is about to apply the torch, 

SEXTUS. 

Varro, when hath Titus been unjust to you? 
Doth he deserve this death, that you should 
23«8 With such haste apply the torch? 

VARRO. 

Why Sextus, you did just nov/ gamble with me for his life. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 



lo: 



SEXTUS. 

I tricked you then and saved him, 

For I played the traitor's part but lived it not; 

And you have told your friend that Titus hath been killed, 

But now he sees that Titus lives, and v^hen he's dead, 

What vi^ill protect poor Varro from 

2325 This new made god's revenge? 

Desert the traitor! 
Call upon your friends and Titus will forgive, a siunce. 

CASCA. 

You see that Varro is a man of wisdom, do you not? 
He hath no liking for a sinking ship; 
Nor none of you, methinks, are Titus' friends; 
You fear the fellow. 

TRAJAN. 

Insolence! 

TITUS. 

^333 Subdue your swords my friends, I wish to die. 

TRAJAN. 
Then let us die together fighting, as all Roman soldiers should. 

TITUS. 

I wish my friends to live. 

CASCA. 

And Titus, I, in memory of old favors done, 

Will give them all an opportunity: 

Lay down your arms and call me emperor, 

And you shall live in peace. 

TRAJAN. 
Doth this include Vespasian and the greedy son, Domitian, 
Just now fled with half the gold in Rome? h^Zui-l 

TITUS. 
Stay Trajan, seek not with such fervent deeds, 
To bind yourself to me; I wish to die, 
2344 And Casca now hath made an offer. 



lo^ 



The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



Which I hope my friends will not reject. 

Lucretius, thou whose brother led 

A desperate charge against Jerusalem; 

Sextus, thou whose brother died 

A soldier's death within those well defended walls: 

You seasoned veterans, 

Who have tramped with me in many a hard campaign, 

If I have left a vestige of my former power, 

I here command you, friends and comrades all, 

To live and hinder not 

2355 The death of him whose part is played. 

VARRO. 

A horseman comes! 

TRAJAN. 

We'll let him come and let him go; another step! 

VARRO does not ii^lit the pyre. 

JUVFNAL 

Why Titus, must you waste your life? 
You owe a higher debt to Rome than to your own desires. 

Enter TACITUS, middle right, unobtrusively. 

TRAJAN. 

Think not, because the weak Praetorian Guards 
^361 Have proven false, that all the armies 

Of the empire have become his friends! 

TACITUS. 

Is this the emperor? 

SEXTUS. 

He hath commanded us to let him die; 
He thinks he serves his country best by leaving it. 

TRAJAN. 

TheSfteenth and the fifth. 
Why they would gladly die for him ! 
The Gallic, Cythian, Celtic and Illyrian legions, 
^3^9 All are yours; the Pontic troops. 

The Dacian and Germanic veterans, faithful to a man! 
Have you no news to alter his determination? 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. -s 

Speak! 

SEXTUS. 

Withhold thy news no longer. 

TRAJAN. 

Speak. 

TACITUS. 
^375 It chokes me quite when added to it 

I find Titus bound. 

JUVENAL. 

He's bound to die. 

TACITUS. 

Old jester, some day you will crack 

The last lash of your scornful whip; 

This hour we lay aside our jokes and bow our heads, 

For one who 's laughed at many a point of thine; 

Go to him now, recall thy keenest thrust. 

And in thy choicest vein retell the tale, 

And see if thou canst move to smiles those setting lips. 

-385 Oh Titus, gird your courage up! 

Your father, good Vespasian, 's dead in his Sabine home at last. 

Arriving there, he took his bed, received his of&cers, 

Attended to the business left; and sinking back. 

He felt the chill of dissolution in his veins ; 

Then, rising up, he called his friends, and with these words: 

' 'A Rom.an emperor should die erect, ' ' 

Your noble father's spirit passed away. 

TRAJAN. 

Now Titus, you are emperor! 
Your word is universal law. 

CASCA. 

Apply the torch! 

NARCISSA. 
2396 Uh Casca! wait! 



.o6The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

Hath Titus here not shown himself a worthy Roman? 
He hath offered you his life to save his friends, 
When, as the lightning rives the oak, 
A word would split your green conspiracy. 
But you can prove yourself possessed of more 
Than even his nobility; 
Acknowledge his supremacy again, 
240^ And by this restoration of his power and dignity, 
You '11 gain the blessings of your countrymen. 
The long respect of coming ages; 
You will overtop his fame for all eternity; 
And history shall not forget the splendid gift. £«J£^ 
Remember then the many promises you 've made to me, 
And look upon your sister and repent your deeds in time. 

He strikes her. 

CASCA. 

Away ! away ! E^^ter HYPOKRA TES. lower right. 

HYPOKRATES. 

I will see Casca Lentullus! 
2413 Good emperor, stop this burning here! 

CASCA. 

Our will depends no more on mystic and capricious augury; 

The weight of our displeasure soon shall fall 

Upon the foolish mortals who opposed our rise; 

Include yourself among the doomed, by further prophecy. 

HYPOKRATES. 
Desist! desist! these sacred birds have twice refused to eat! 

CASCA. 

There flows the tawny Tiber; 

Break their wings and throw them in, 

For since they will not eat why let them drink. 

With shouts of derision HYPOKRATES is pushed 
out. NARCJSSA obtains a sword from SEXl'US. 

And throw the rascal in to keep them company; 
For thus I cast away all supernatural aids! 
2^24 I fear no more the gods ! 

The world is mine! 



NARCISSA. 
2426 Then Casca, ruling all, be merciful. 

He tushes her rouzhly away. She stabs him as he turns to light the 
fire. His sword being in his hand he kills her, aJid at his motion 
the soldiers carry her body out, lower left. The torch, fallen 
from his hand, has gone out. He stands as if uninjured. 

TACITUS. 

She loved thee once, she loved thee Casca, once. 

CASCA reels slightly. 

SEXTUS. 

Oh Varro! Varro! friend, complete the v^^ork! 

CASCA recovers hitnself and a silence ensues. He reels anci falls 
to his knees but rises with (he extinguished torch in his hands, 
having dropped his sword. 

CASCA. 

A torch ! a torch ! He sees that none can be had. 

A torch! no! no! 



Not all the gods shall choke me down 

'd issues from his mouth . . 
t VARRO thrusts him thro 
\sh on his sitt king form ana 

A GENERAL CRY 



Blood issues from his mouth. He stabs at TITUS with the torch 
but VARRO thrusts him through from the side and his partisans 
rush on his sinking form and kill hitn. 



431 Titus! Titus Augustus! Emperor! 

Tlucryis repeated in the street. The ropes are cut. LUCIA etri- 
braces LIVIA. TITUS advances and stills them with a ges- 



ture. 



The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



108 



TKe accefsion of Titus Flavius Sabinus Vefpafianus. 

Since it hath pleased the gods to call us on 

The scene again, our duty now shall best be done, 

By coaxing back the frightened wings of peace, 

With every means that shall expedient seem : 

Another bosom, Trajan, should be searched. amftfe'fcAs'- 

Take up the dead ; show honors to them both ; 

The one deserves the plaudits of the world, 

And poorly will they pay him for his sacrifice; 

The other needs whatever shows in charity 

May be accorded him. Recover all the dead. 

Who in this needless hour have been mowed down; 

With garlands deck the woman just now carried off. 

Recover, too, the body of an infant borne upon a spear. 

Have messengers sent out to overtake the news, 

Lest all the country be in tumult thrown; 

Recall our brother, praising his economy and thrift. 

To warn all men against the evils of unchecked ambition. 

We shall think it best, in justice to the state. 

To utterly destroy the last of these disturbing elements 

Who sought to rise upon her desolation. 

Who would thriftily have followed in the wake of ruin. 

Fattening on misfortune and distress. 

And therefore, in the name of lasting peace, 

To sink the admonition deep, proceed now 

To the consummation of our disregarded orders, 

Adding to imprisonment, the immediate execution 

Of these known and listed traitors, further. 

Confiscate their properties and add their monies 

To the public treasury, impoverish 

Their sons and daughters so that no descendant. 

Puffed with wealth and idleness, 

Shall e'er be tempted to avenge this proper sentence. 

Execute them all! 

He strikes ike paper which TRAJAN has had the soldier tak* from 
CASCA 'S breast. The mob disperses and the soldiers, under the 
command of SEXTUS and VARRO retire in order. TITUS 
and the others move away, except LUCIA, who goes out. lower 
left. LI VI A is left alone. 



log 

JUVENAL. 
The empress , sire! 

TITUS. 
24^ We have no empress, Juvenal, 

We take our place upon the throne, unhonored by a wife. 

LIVIA. 

Now Titus is my heart made sick, 

I love you still, my love hath never lessened 

Since the fortunate hour your unexpected presence 

Waked my heart to happiness immeasurable. 

Forg-et, my husband, thCvSe quick, hateful words, 

Hot sprung from jealous doubt and anger; 

Take me in thy arms again. 

TITUS. 

Let Pliny's name be added to the list. 

TiTUS ivrites PLINVS name upon the list with his finder moist- 
ened in tl ' blood stains of the parchtnent. Exeunt all, utter right. 
except LIVIA. 

LIVIA. 

^^^76 No wrong! no wrong! I 've ever done 

To suffer such dishonor. 

Nothing! nothing! rests against my soul, 

To justify the shame. 

Which in his wilful anger now he casts upon my love. 

Yea Casca, thou I should have listened to; 

The Hebrew woman hath returned at last. 

After a silence L UCIA enters, lower left, 

LUCIA. 

I 've brought you Numa's gown. 

LIVIA. 

Take me to the place! 

LUCIA. 

There's nothing left to see; 
The dogs have torn his little body— 

LIVIA. 

2-4^7 Lucia! Lucia! come! 



no 



The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 



The guards are stationed in the halls; 
They will not let you out. 

LIVIA. 

Come! come! 

A guard momentarily appears^ lower left. 

^491 A prison, now! Oh Numa! Numa! Numa. 

She sinks down 071 the stone seat of the impluvium. L UCIA takes 
off a white robe and throws it over her. She rises and draws i' 
about herself. She picks at the hem of N UM A' S garment ami 
her mind wanders. 

A pretty hem, the little flowers scatter here and there . Reward 
the girl. I '11 have another gown embroidered soon if this 
one pleases him. I see his precious fingers pulling at the 
blossoms. Are you sure the colors will not fade? He '11 have 

it in his mouth, you know. she takes the robe in her arms. 

How light you are! You should be growing fat; these chilly 
days were never meant for thee; bright sunshine, warm and 
strengthening will suit thee best. Asleep, asleep my littleone, 

oh lie thee here while mother watches for thy sleeve ! . . . . 

Thy gown is bloodstained ! . . . Lucia ! look ! the sleeve is gone. 

She has spread the garment upon the couch at the left of the im- 
pluvium. She clutches at the white gown, but it has fallen from 
her shoulders as she has risen on the discovery of the bloodstains. 
At the sight of the black dress her reason returns. 

He 's dead ! he 's dead ! he 's dead ! 

And this is all they've left me, Numa, Numa. 

Go, go! Lucia! go, bring back a witness of the deed. 

His father's men are searching for him now. 

Exit LUCIA, yniddle left. Presently en- 
ter H YFOKKA TES, dripping, lower left. 

Hypokrates, you saw the deed. 

HYPOKRATES. 

The deed? 

LIVIA. 

The infant's death. 

, HYPOKRATES. 
^509 Ah yes. 

LIVIA. 

The dogs! 

HYPOKRATES. 

The form was rescued by a clownish knave, 



(tf TITUS FLAVIUS. 

And tossed into the Tiber after me; 
With me it sank, but me the gods preserved. 

LI VIA. 

A useful purpose you will answer still; 
2515 I have an enemy beyond my strength, 

And you have mortal poison. 

HYPOKRATES. 

No, not I, for that 's against the statute; 
But, I have a little powder ring, 
Though not a poison. 

MVIA. 

Yet, 'twill do, 

HYPOKRATES. 
'Tis nothing but a sleeping potion, lady. 

LiVIA. 

Sleep they long? 

HYPOKRATES. 

At times, they do; an hour, a day, a month, 
A year, a century; according to the dose. 
25*5 Shall we exchange our rings? 

LIVIA. 

How much is here? 

HYPOKRATES. 

About three hundred years, I think, 
Perhaps a little more. 

LIVIA. 

Well met. 

HYPOKRATES. 

And well imbursed. 

LIVIA. 
Have you a remedy for this? 

HYPOKRATES. 

2531 I might procure one for you. 



» The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

LIVIA. 

No! do not! I want relief cut off; 
Procure the remedy for no one! here! anot^II'rU^^. 

HYPOKRATES. 

It shall be so, I serve my clients with an honor 
^53^ Even Pliny well might envy me. 

J/e .eroes down rrfhf. LUCIA and 
TRANQ UILLIUSenter, middle left. 

LUCIA. 

Tranquillius saw thy Numa rescued from the dogs, 
And carried off by some rough fellow in plebian garb. 

LIVIA. 

Go tell the emperor. 

Exit TRANQUILLIUS. middle right. LUCIA holes from LIVIA 
to HYPOKRA TES. LIVlA,searching,presently picks up a horn 
and filling it with water at the impluvium, she retires to the stylo- 
bate. 

LUCIA. 

Hypokrates, she hath thy poison, thou her ring. 
Tranquillius, return! 

She catches HYPOKRATES by the 
arm and TRAA'QUILLI US reenters. 

254^ Hypokrates hath sold the empress poison; 

In her grief she will destroy herself. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

Pestiferous astrologer! 

HYPOKRATES. 

'Twas not a poison. 
Nothing more than just a bringer of sweet, restful sleep. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

Our ears have heard strange stories of thy sleeping potions; 
Thou shalt stand convicted when I crook my finger, sir. 

HYPOKRATES. 

A simple sleeping-drug. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 
^55® A sleep that knows no ending; 

I can see the prison gates swing ope their massive jaws for thee. 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. ..3 

HYPOKRATES. 

I have a remedy. Now let me go. The pungent odor of this 
root wiil drive away a sleep brought on by drugs. I thought 
to bring her back to life myself and gain the credit of the 
prodigy, but you shall do it for me, gentle sir. exu. lower right. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

He smells the root and displays great repugnance. 

I can not blame poor Death for making off when he smells this. 

He catches L UCIA around the waist and 
forces her to smell the root. He kisses her. 

LUCIA. 

She comes ! we '11 hide and when she falls asleep we '11 waken her. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

Ah no! we'll let her sleep awhile, 
For when she wakes and finds her purpose foiled, 
^560 She '11 take some surer means. 

Events must dictate our responsibility. 

LUCIA. 

But do not wait too long. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 
Tlie proper hour shall be the proper time. 

LUCIA, 

But if it does not work? 
Perhaps the root hath not the power to overcome the drug 

TOANQUILLIUS. 

We have his word. 

LUCIA 

He feared arrest. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

He lied! he lied! he gave us this that he might get away! 
The empress we can not awake. 

LUCIA. 
-2570 We must prevent — 

TRANQUILLIUS. c.u,,.,n.r. 

Too late! she's drained the cup. 



in^ 



The IMPERIM. AUTHORITY 



LUCIA 

Then let us get the emperor's physicians. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

If we do and they revive her she will find another way. 

LUCIA. 

He may have spoke the truth; the odor may awaken her. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 
^575 Yea ! methinks it will. He smeiis u again. 

LUCIA. 

Ah no! her face is white. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

I have not told the emperor yet. upper 'r%ft: 

LIVIA. 

It is the end. 

The pleasures I have known are gone, 

The happy hours have trooped away, 

And sombre griefs and bitter miseries consume the day. 

I go to meet the ones I love. Her hand trembUs. 

It works! It works! I see as in a dream. 

The night is falling; Titus! Titus. fnlheMTl 
Happy were we once, oh come again, again. 

She rises ivith great effort and weakly strikes the jar three times 
with the horn clutched in her hand. She falls back upon the 
couch. Enter JUVENAL, TRANQ VILLI US and L UCIA. up- 
per right. 

JUVENAL 

She hath destroyed herself! 

LUCIA puts her robe over LIVIA. TRAJAN enters, upper right. 

TRAJAN. 

^587 The emperor sits without a wife indeed. 

Enter TITUS, TACITUS, JULIAand PLOTINA,upper right. 

TITUS. 

Who struck the jar? We heard it ring. Our wife ! 

JUVENAL. 

Thy wife is dead. 

JULIA and PLOTIN A stand at the head of the couch, weeping- 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 



"5 



TITUS. 

How came she to her death? 

JUVENAL. 
*59' She hath the look of poison, sire. 

TRAJAN. 
I saw Hypokrates — 

TITUS. 

Go bring him here! 

TRANQUILLIUS, 

He's there. 

Exit TRAJAN^ lower right. 

TITUS. 

Though we regret her death, 

The circumstances move us to the utterance, 

That she hath nobly answered for ignoble practices; 

We pity her but she hath merited her woe. 

HYPOKRA TES and TRAJAN reenter. 

TACITUS. 

Astrologer, here lies the evidence of thy unlawful traffic! 

HYPOKRATES. 
2600 It was not a mortal drug I sold! 

She said she had an enemy. 

I have a cure! He searches. 

I have it not, but I can get it, sir! 

TRAJAN. 

I will accompany you. 

HYPOKRATES. 

'Tis utterly impossible 
For me to get the remedy unless I am alone. 

TACITUS. 

Then go alone. 

TRAJAN. 
2608 This is a trick of bfs to slip away. 



..6 The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

TITUS. 

We rest upon his honor; go. 

TRANQUILLIUS. 

The emperor desired her death; 
Escape, and come not back. 

TRAJAN. 

2612 Hypokrates, obtain the remedy, 

Or mix thyself a fatal drug-, if you like not a sword. 

Exit HYPOKRA TES, lower right, shivering'. 

TITUS. 

Inter the woman privately. 

TACITUS. 

Unnatural manl 

JUVENAL 

You flout the living and insult the dead. 

TRAJAN. 

With this abuse of power shall you inaugurate your reign? 

TITUS. 

2618 Sirs! 

JUVENAL 

Though men may still before your anger. 
Yet among themselves your actions will they narrowly examine. 

TITUS. 

All I ask is justice from the tongues of men. 
By secret obsequies I would preserve her 
From the shameful reputation of her life. 

TACITUS. 

It was yourself who took her from the temple. 

TITUS. 

Yea! and it was your good friend 
2626 Who took her from the palace. 

JUVENAL 

This is why the name of Pliny stands 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. ; 

In bloody characters upon the list. 

TACITUS. 

A baseless accusation. 

JUVENAL. 

Pliny's name hath never yet been touched by scandal. 

TRAJAN. 

Pliny took the forum when the mob in lust and anger stormed; 

His voice in your defence above the tumult rose, 

2633 He stood against the multitude, 

He whipped them back to silence, 

Cowed their rising fury, 

And his eloquence, his great authority prevailed; 

His arm upheld the tottering state. 

Enter SEXTUS and PLINY, lower left. 

SEXTUS. 

The noble conduct of this prisoner, 

His loyalty and reputation 

Have prevailed upon me thus to bring him here, 

Before he goes to prison, sire. 

PLINY. 
2642 The empress, dead! 

TACITUS. 

Yea. Titus hath accused her of unfaithfulness. 
And thus she answers him. 

PLINY i)ercetves that he is thoxight guilty 

PLINY. 

Am I the man? 
Unjust and violent decree! 
How shalt thou e're repair this injury? 
Upon what evidence have you proceeded to this monstrous end? 

TITUS, 

Sufficient for myself. 

TACITUS. 

2650 Produce thy evidence! 



"8 The IMPERIAL AirnK)iUTY 

PLINY. 

"We quarrel in the presence of the dead. 

The soldiers remove the couch with LI VIA 'S form. Exeunt 
LUCIA, PLOTINA, JULIA and SEXTUS, upper right. 

TITUS. 

She plotted with her brother and thyself. 
She fled to thee when Casca was prepared to take our life. 

TACITUS. 

Infatuated man, her brother thought 
To gain the favor of the gods by sacrificing her; 
2656 He told her you loved Berenice, 

Thus to get her from the palace. 

TITUS. 

But she fled to Pliny's house. 

JUVENAL 

Because Gaudentius was his guest; 

Two days before, and I should now be taken prisoner 

For I have had the man with me: 

With confidence he moved along 

The difiicult and envious pathway of his art. 

TITUS. 

Gaudentius was your guest? 

PLINY. 

His Instruments are there, his children, too. 

TITUS. 

i666 They shall be sons of Rome. 

TACITUS. 

Then this is aU thy evidence. 
She had no thought of Pliny when she went to Pliny's house. 

TITUS. 
Her Christian declaration — 

JUVENAL 

Was a falsehood, 
Prompted by the scheming Auius in the hope 



of TITUS FLAVIUS. 

167a That Casca in his sacrificial fury 

Would encounter your authority. 

They poisoned Livia's mind, 

They told her you had sentenced her to death, 

That only by this subterfuge could she escape; 

And Casca showed her this. 

TITUS. 

In Berenice's hand! 

An order for her death; the signature my own! ' 

Aecursed Casca; lost! lost! lost! 

O'ertake Hypokrates! 

Oh any treasure if he finds the remedy! 

TITUS moves upper right, but stops. TRANQUILLTUS at the 
tot of his speed, runs across from the left and leaping the stylobate 
disappears, upper right. TH A J AX goes out hurriedly, lower right. 

No! no! I'm sure she was not guiltless, no! 

You sympathize with her and hope to clear your friend. 

Her brother, though he wished to sacrifice her, 

Why should he dishonor her? 

'Tis hateful to suppose him base without a reason. 

PLINY. 

i688 A weighty reason moved him, sire; ^ 

He thought to bring my death about, 

To strike at me with your despair, 

For I had threatened to disclose his schemes to you; 

If he proceeded with them, which I would have done 

Had he not acted on the impulse of the moment. 

This conspicacy was organized by Aulus; 

Casca, through a chance, took up the work 

Where Aulus laid it down; his own conspiracy, 

In greater caution planned he never carried through. 

JUVENAL 
And never will. 

TITUS. 

Yea! yea! you seem to be as full of truth as he; 
iyoo I think you are as false. 

TACITUS. 

Conviction is upon you for 



-The IMPERIAL AUTHORITY 

You know we speak the truth; 

No longer can you justify your harshness 

With the certainty of guilt; 

Admit responsibility, endure remorse, 

^706 And seek to raise no barrier of suspicion up, 

To hide away from poignant sorrow and disquietude. 

TITUS. 

No! no! for you yourself did copy his incriminating speech, 

And when you read the lines to us and reached 
The dangerous phrase, in friendship you refused the rest. 

TACITUS. 

Is this the last? With this shall your suspicions end? 
Read then, you know the art. 

TAClTUStakes the tablet from 
the ledge and T IT US reads it. 

TITUS. 

'*0h! Casca, look! Oh, look where Li via comes ! 
The charm of dignity in every movement lies. 
She hath the fascination of immortal loveliness. 
How like a gentle breath she moves along the corridor. 
^7'7 How like a dream her presence makes 

The cold and gloomy hallways of this palace seem. 
She, Casca, is thy sister" — 

TACITUS. 

There I stopped. 

TITUS. 

"She, Casca, is thy sister. 

Hers the eyes to blind with tears and bum, 

And hers the voice to choke with grief, 

And hers the heart to crush beneath thy ruthless heel. 

When thou shalt kill Vespasian on his throne. 

And lay the noble Titus in his undeserved tomb!" 

TACITUS. 

2727 I stopped, to save him from disgrace and rum; 
Peace, I thought, would best be served by silence. 



of TITUS FLAViUS. 

PLINY. 

We expected to dissuade him from his fateful course. 

TITUS. 

Your hopes and expectations feebly stood 
Against this devastating storm. 

TACITUS. 

733 Its fury now is past. 

TITUS. 

Its havoc v^rought ! 
And reparation shall not build these ruins up again, 
Nor shall remorse bring back the dead. 

TACITUS andJUVENAL, standing on the right, grasp TITUS' 
hand and walk apart . TITUS extends his hand to PLiNY, who 
then joins TACITUS a7td JUVENAL, upper left. TITUS is 
facing the right and does not notice that they have moved away. 
He reads the tablet again. 



'Oh! Casca, look! Oh, look where Livia comes 



Unseen by TITUS, LIVIA appears, upper right. LUCIA 
is with her and TRANQUILLIUS closely follows them. 

The charm of dignity in every movement lies, 

She hath the fascination of immortal loveliness. 

How like a gentle breath she moves along the corridor. 

How like a dream her presence makes 

LIVIA reaches the right side of the impluvium. 

The cold and gloomy hallways of this palace seem. 

With the first line he looks up, 

ajijj lynes.* Oh look where Livia comes. 

They embrace. 

TRANQUILLIUS, at the left of the impluvium, discovers on the 
floor the cake which he has . oveted andorushing it off, he goes to 
LUCIA, embraces her and gives her a portion of it. The others 
observe the groups from the stylobate. 

(CURTAIN.) 

*Tkc{e 17-^2 lynes contayn as many fyllal>les as arc con- 
tayaed in 2616 lynes of tkc daf^cal iambic peatametre. 



THE CONCLUSION. 



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LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 

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